Headcold and Cough

[Bingo88]

Good evening Everyone. Hope you all had a good Christmas. I know its difficult to give individual suggestions. But I came out to Spain for Christmas and New year and now have a cough and headcold. Which is producing a lot of mucus from my blocked nose. I am using Sterimar nasal spray. But not helping me much. Anyone any suggestions for the headcold and cough. Which is really annoying. Best wishes to everyone for the New Year. Brian

[Turnipgirl]

What we found helpful was lemons in hot water like making our own lemsip.

[gingermusic]

So sorry to hear your Christmas break has turned out the way it has. Drink plenty of water with fresh lemon in it. Other than that maybe some Vicks vapour rub on your chest if you can get any. Hope you feel better soon and have a Great New Year

[HerLadyship]

Have you tried putting Vicks into a basin of hot water ? The steam helps you to breathe easier.

[jillygirl]

Hi Brian it could be the virus thats going around I have it at the moment . My respiratory nurs e brought me a nebuliser which is helping to clear the mucus. I have had 2 lots of antibiotics ad steroids but it is still taking its time to go. My cough isnt as much now but its hard to shift when it starts. The nurse prescribed some tablets called acetylcysteine effervescent tablets 600 mg instead of the carbocysteine I have been using, and by golly they do get rid of lots of mucus. plus you only take 1 a day.

I hope you feel better soon. take care. 😊✖✖

[Bingo88 in reply to jillygirl]

Thanks for your reply I will try and get to see a local doctor today if possible. I am limited to what methods I can try because of being on holiday makes it difficult

[Dottie11 in reply to Bingo88]

Great replies re tretamnet so will not repeat that. Try the Pharmacy in Spain to see what provisions they can give you but also Gp if needed. Ask pharmacy if they know where to buy Manuka honey if do not supply. If you have flown the dry air may be part the reason too. I spent many a Christmas in Spain their Pharmacy service is very good. Good lcuk.

[Davegt in reply to jillygirl]

Just a thought when you mention virus and 2 lots of antibiotics. Antibiotics do not work on a virus only on bacteria. Hopefully you will soon be rid of the virus. The acetylcysteine sounds excellent for clearing the mucus. Take care.

[Turnipgirl in reply to jillygirl]

We all had bad colds in our family recently along with an annoying dry tickly cough but thankfully we are all fully better now.

[Patk1 in reply to jillygirl]

Jillygirl,do u find it better than carbocysteine x

[jillygirl in reply to Patk1]

Hi Patk1, Yes I find it better, It seemsto act almost straightaway, plus ots just one tablet a day ,,,😊

[Bingofox007]

steam inhalation, lemon and honey in hot water and regular paracetamol if needed to relieve aches and fevers. Rest and fluids. Everyone seems to agree with this in their replies, it’s all there is really for the dreaded cold and flu viruses and readily available . Hope you feel better soon and get to enjoy your time in Spain Feliz ano neuvo! Take care 🦊x

[2013mayo]

I had a shocking cold/ chest infection , I’ve still got the cough but nothing like it was, it lasted about 4-5 weeks, it’s a virus going round and nothing seems to help. Try Vics, I used to put it on my chest at night, and as for the headaches I took paracetamol

[Spacecat1]

I find bowl of hot water with vices and towel over head works for me. Hope you feel better soon. Happy New year xx

[Turnipgirl in reply to Spacecat1]

Many years ago we all had whooping cough and went to stay with Nana and Grandpa on our own for a few days and Nana gave me and my sister the old fashioned head over the bowl thing which really helped!

[CDPO16]

My husband is just getting over a nasty cold and cough. The cough is lingering and he has bad headaches too.We both once had severe colds and coughs while on holiday in Majorca. The girl in the local pharmacy was brilliant and gave us over the counter cough linctus which worked a treat. Try and find a pharmacy Brian and explain your problems. Other than that honey and lemon in hot water if you can get the hot water easily.

Hope you soon begin to feel better, Carole xx

[Turnipgirl in reply to CDPO16]

I find the pharmacists are great for things like coughs and colds and you don't have to wait 3 weeks for an appointment to see them!

[Ergendl]

I use honey, lemon and ginger in hot water, and eat spicy foods as they can help reduce bugs in the throat. A saline nasal wash helps wash out some of the bugs in the sinuses and nostrils. A buttercup syrup or the product Bronchostop can reduce mucus for a bit of relief.

[Copey399 in reply to Ergendl]

I bought Bronchostop for my cough that is hanging about. I took one dose and nearly threw up. Never tasted anything like it 🥹 Supposed to be herbal, Thyme extract and Marshmallow root extract (who knew marshmallow had roots?). I had to get my big girl pants on and take it anyway over Christmas🤢🤮 Hasn't stopped the cough though although I have kinda got used to the vile taste.

[Ergendl in reply to Copey399]

It is an unusual taste, though I had no problem with it. I use menthol and eucalyptus lozenges like Jakemans and Fishermans Friends to help with the cough and breathing. And there's nothing like a drink of lemon, honey and ginger in hot water to help the inflamed throat.

[Copey399 in reply to Ergendl]

Thank you x It's these coughing fits that I keep getting, very frightening. I cough and cough with eyes and nose streaming, then start dry heaving and then on top of that I sneeze 3 or 4 times and it leaves me feeling exhausted. Fed up with trying to get through to the GP. Being nearly 80 and trying to care for a disabled partner I feel my end is nigh sometimes.

[Bingo88 in reply to Copey399]

Yes I am exactly the same symptoms as you. I have not had a good night's sleep for over a week. Brian

[Izb1]

So sorry to hear you have a headcold Brian, it spoils the holiday and these coughs and colds are doing the rounds at the moment. You could try antihistamine to dry up the mucus, I find it helps. I hope you feel better and get to celebrate New Year x

[Bingo88 in reply to Izb1]

Thanks so much. Definitely not looking forward to coming back to the cold UK. Brian

[peege]

Sorry to hear it Brian and a pity the better weather isn't helping. For a few days now I've been using my arsenal to prevent blocked sinuses and an extremely sore throat turning into a chest infection. So far just about succeeding 🤞🤞🤞🤞last night tight chest & cough as I fell asleep but this morning it hasn't progressed.

My arsenal: Corvonia Throat Spray an antiseptic - on this occasion I'm grateful for the pain killer in it - use it last thing at night then again in the early hours spraying as far down my throat as I can. Effervescent Vitamin C 1000mg twice per day and a steroid nasal spray - bought over the counter. Those three are really helping so far as well as paracetamol for any inflammation.

In France I've bought extra Effervescent vitamin c and get antiseptic throat spray from a pharmacist....it has to be antiseptic not just analgesic (which to my mind is a waste of money when paracetamol are a fraction of the price) so they should all be available in Spain too. If I cant get antiseptic throat spray I use a few drops of Tea Tree Oil in water for a thorough gargle.

Plenty of fluids & keep warm and good luck on getting better.

[Dottie11 in reply to peege]

Yes a big fan of that type of Vit C . Good luck with sinus mine are playing up too.

[Nula2]

Hi Brian, I use Sterimar nasal spray and inhale Vicks as my ears & nose are always getting blocked it seems to help a bit. Sorry I have no other suggestions but just wanted to wish you well & hope you're feeling better soon 🤞🤞Take it easy 🙂xxx

[Patk1 in reply to Nula2]

I've started using the sterimar nasal wash spray.its helping with sinuses x

[Bingo88 in reply to Nula2]

Thanks so much. Nula2

[Tykelady]

I find the Olbas Oil nasal inhaler is great for clearing the nasal passages.

[Patk1]

Have u tried lemsip x

[Bingo88 in reply to Patk1]

Can't take it unfortunately Patk1

[Fruityface]

I’m afraid a dreadful head cold is doing the rounds in the UK. It knocks you for six with extreme tiredness and really bad congestion. It is lasting 3 weeks or more! Sudafed nasal spray works a bit, Sinutab works - available over the counter only- but does affect sleep and good old inhalation with menthol crystals, olbas oil or Vicks works . I’m just beginning to feel as thou I’ve got a bit of life back in me and it’s been 2+ weeks - same for my son and he’s only 30!

[Turnipgirl in reply to Fruityface]

With us the coughs and colds lasted about 3 weeks and it's only now we are all fully better.

[Alberta56]

I'm a fan of Olbas Oil. Hope you're soon better.

[Turnipgirl in reply to Alberta56]

Yes I remember olbas oil from years ago and it's very good isn't it?

[katieoxo60]

Sorry to hear yopur break has been spoilt by a bug, there are lots going round. We always find when away the chemists are very good abroad. Or a hot whiskey toddy before bed. Hopefully you will feel better soon before you have to fly back.

[Kristicats]

The pharmacy there may suggest a better nasal spray. All I can suggest is paracetamol 4 times daily, lots of water and a throat/ chest syrup containing honey . Hope you feel more human soon so that you can enjoy your holiday. X

[Yoga2011]

my son had this virus, then my husband and now me! I’ve had it since Christmas Day, throat like razor blades for two days, dry cough then a terrible hacking cough since Thursday that keeps me awake. I’ve just had lemsips, paracetamol, menthol lozenges and Strepsils but really it has to run it’s course. I’ve never had a cold/cough so bad before. Hope you’re feeling better and can enjoy the sun

[Bingo88 in reply to Yoga2011]

Thanks for your reply. I can't take lemsips unfortunately just Paracetamol. Its the cough and continuing rubbish coming from my nose. I already have copd and when I lie down I then can't breathe through my nose because its blocked again. Happy New Year. Brian

[Yoga2011 in reply to Bingo88]

I can’t sleep lying down as it makes my snuffly nose and cough worse just like you. I’ve been sleeping sitting up a bit propped up by pillows. Hope you’re feeling better

[Bingo88 in reply to Yoga2011]

Thank you

[BionicLady]

I can't give you so much advice but good old fashioned Vicks works for me! I hope you feel better soon and things are easing up for you x

[Kneesandtoes]

I heat a gel pack in hot water and lie down with it on my face until it has cooled down. It seems to help with head colds. May need a cloth if it is very hot to start with. I probably do it about twice a day.

[pepparuby1]

lots of suggestions here I hope some help - I will take away the acetylcysteine effervescent tablets 600 mg instead of the carbocysteine - not tried these! I’ve had a continual chest infection since beginning of December awful awful but no cough

[Turnipgirl in reply to pepparuby1]

Happy new year to you and the kitties!

Baby sends her regards to Pepparuby the black panther!

We are all fine here and are only just fully better after having that bad cold that has been going round with the annoying dry tickly cough!

We have enjoyed a nice peaceful Christmas and New year here thanking our lucky stars that the old flat has gone as we reckon it was cursed!

They ended up turning it into an air b and b place and when i found out I wasn't surprised!

[pepparuby1 in reply to Turnipgirl]

Happy New Year to you and Baby 🐈‍⬛

[embroy]

Hope you are feeling better now. I had a cough and then tested positive for COVID. Please wear a mask as I have started to as well.

[Bingo88 in reply to embroy]

Thanks for your concern. Just finished a week's course of meds. But still struggling with this cough and I do wear a mask in enclosed places but find it difficult and get more breathless. Hope your feeling better now. Brian

[embroy]

Hope you are doing fine, try this remedy it's herbal, grate ginger and honey. My cough went in about 10 days. If you want. You can also put Vicks on your feet be you go to.sleep, that helps as well

[Bingo88 in reply to embroy]

Thanks so much for your suggestions. I have heard people say about putting stuff on the soles of your feet. I am getting better slowly. The cough and mucus is mainly 1st thing in a morning now. I think a lot with copd struggle with morning coughing from lying down all night. Hope your keeping safe and well 🙏 and enjoy your day. Brian