Cold cures - I have a stinker of a co... - ITP Support Assoc...
Cold cures - I have a stinker of a cold, what do other ITP'ers use as a cold remedy that does not affect platelet count?
Hi Nicky, when my daughter has the cold it is usually just paracetamol that she uses to ease the aches and pains, if however she has a bad cough with it we use Benilyn Original which is great at easing the cough and also lets her get a good sleep as it makes you a bit drowsy, we have never found any difference in the platelet count when she uses the cough medicine in fact last time her count went up. Maybe best if it is a really bad cold to speak with the local pharmacist, I found them quite helpful. Hope this helps you and that your cold doesn't last too long. Take care.
Thanks - my cold is just turning into a cough. It is exhausting. NickyD
Hi Nicky, Sorry to read about your cold,but those of us on MMF tend to get more and longer per lasting colds,sore throats, etc There are no cures but as Lindylou says use medicines that ease the pain and miseries--easier said than done. At the moment I have a bad fungal throat infection and a croaky voice. Menthol lozenges seem to give some relief or even Tyrozets, but paracetamol certainly does ease any pain. Only advise is keep an eye open for signs of pneumonia just in case but unlikely. Despite my comments I feel positive as my MMF dose has been reduced to 1g per day and the platelet counts remain high despite the infection. Derek
Hi Derek - Good news on the reduction to 1g pd of MMF - I am on 1.5g. I get the odd bruise now and then but they don't last long and so don't bother me. It is the coughing that gets me and stops me from speaking. Some may say that is a good thing but it does hinder my work and I have had to cancel a meeting today which is never a good thing. Hope your sore throat gets better. Take care. NickyD
Steaming over a bowl of almost boiling water with a towel over the head loosens all the gunk in the sinuses. You can add some eucalyptus oil which helps. I also use Lemsip or paracetamol, and a hot toddy also helps.
how interesting - I have always been told to stay clear of Lemsip.
Hi I find Corvonia cough mix and Halls soothers usually get me through. REGARDS Heather
Hi Nicky sorry to hear about your cold. I fortunately don't get many despite being asplenic. Not wishing to be negative I tend to find that actually getting a cold causes a platelet dip.I do find codeine and paracetamol based pain killers tend to work, they don't have warnings to avoid like asparin and ibuprophen. Good luck.
thanks - it has now turned into a cough....
Hi Nicky,
In otherwise healthy people, colds last for about 5 - 7 days; with ITP they tend to drag on much longer. Experience suggest that as your platelets drop during periods of cold, your response to any remedy will depend on how your platelets are. The best advice given to me by my haematologist is to visit the GP at the first signs of a cold.
Regards.
Hi Nicky,
The short answer is I do not know. However, some medics are concerned that apart from the bruising and bleeding and (in extremely rare cases) cranial haemorrhages, low platelets may affect other major organs. So presumably, the GP's role is to ensure that your pulse, temperature and blood pressure are all OK.
Regards.
Hi Nicky, Try a warm lemsip, not hot and gargle with it as you swallow it, I find it helps sooth the throat and ease the irritation causing the cough. Soothers are also good to loosen up the congestion in your chest, you may cough but you find it easier and less painful or debilitating. Also I haven't tried it yet but I will this winter should I get a cold is Echinacea tablets from the chemists. My aunt recommended it and it's worked for her. But, since I have been having the flu jab the last three or so years, I rarely get a cold now and if I do, it lasts at the most a week. Also, if you can, at the first sign of the cold starting, start taking paracetemol and Ibuprofen, you can take these together, one of each. Also iron and vitamin B6 supplements, as ITP sufferers usually get lethargic when ill, as it makes the body work harder. These should not effect the platelet count. Get well soon and hope some of this helps 
thanks for the advice - I have always been told to stay clear of Ibuprofen.
I've been told to avoid Ibuprofen as well, but paracetamol are OK. The Echinacea is good - I used to take it for about 3 weeks in October to ward off post half term bugs from the students, and a vitamin C tablet daily also helps - Berocca are the nicest tasting.
thanks for your reply - I do Vit C every day together with some cranberry juice. Never used Echinacea but will consider it next time. NickyD
I have no spleen and have had no problems taking Ibuprofen, as long as I have it after eating. If you have it on an empty stomach it makes your tummy bleed, that's why you may have been asked to steer clear of it. Aspirin is what I was told not to take as it thins the blood and on a low count is not good. I highly recommend having the flu jab if you can, it's been an absolute godsend. It doesn't work for some people, a guy I work with had it and was bad with either a really bad cold or the flu. People are having colds around me now and I'm due one soon but so far my antibodies are holding out haha.
Ibuprofen can lower platelet levels as well as cause gastric irritation and so is generally avoided in people with ITP and other platelet disorders.
Ok, everyone is different and have other medical conditions that can contradict the effects of medicines. In my last relapse, I was told Ibuprofen is not recommended if an ITP sufferer is taking steroids, it's a no no and, the leaflet advice in the boxes state they are not to be taken on an empty stomach, so take after lunch or dinner. Which would say to me that it would irritate my stomach if taken on an empty stomach. The nurses and doctors didn't say I could never take them, but I was advised not to take aspirin as it thins your blood and reduces platelets. I mostly take paracetamol, but as I said we are all different, take notice of your body and if in doubt seek advice from the doctors. At my next appointment I will ask my consultant about this, I will avoid it if advised. I can honestly say that I have only had one incident with them, that was when I was ill with a serious migraine episode and ended up in hospital, I only had those in the house and not eaten properly, with me not being able to hold anything down, there was blood in my vomit. I now have medication for migraine prevention and will not take them for a migraine again. But as I said always seek medical advise if in doubt.
I think the no ibuprofen is more in the acute situation. When stable and the platelets are higher then they are happier for you to have them. Am not sure what level would be acceptable though. Will need to ask at my next appointment as it's the painkiller that tends to work for me. I'm in the early days of the diagnosis but have been told to completely avoid them at the moment, but hopefully not forever.
Yes I have just replied on your question about steroids, you are taking steroids which is why you can't take them. I was told the same when I was taking them, they react with the steroids and stop them working. I think once you stabilise you will be ok to take them again but always ask your doctors advise.
Hi Gaytone, I went for my check up last Wednesday and I take back all I have said above, The doctor I saw, a new one advised me not to take Ibuprofen as it does kill platelets. I apologise sincerely as until now no doctor had told me this before, only the reaction with steroids. Co codemol, paracetamol, codiene or Tramedol for ITP sufferers only. Hope you are off your steroids now and recovering well. Merry Christmas
That's not a problem it's a big learning curve for us all and this forum allows us to share our knowledge and check with the specialists when we contradict each other! I'm keeping my fingers crossed as last week I had a normal platelet count and had been off pred for a week. So happy Next check is in January so hoping for a healthy Xmas and new year. Merry Christmas to you too
Sorry to hear about you bout of flu Nicky especially as I get my flu jab tomorrow (Sat). However, like you I am taking MMF to suppress the immune system, but was told to avoid substances such as Echinacea which stimulates it. Derek
I had my flu jab a week ago and have woken up with a sore throat..... Lets hope it is a delayed reaction to the jab and nothing else. Take care. Nicky
I've got a horrid cold and throat now, so am gargling with soluble paracetamol, taking lemsips, Vit C, and mainlining chocolate, as I can't taste anything, but chocolate always helps!
I love it that you say chocolate always helps.... I am dairy free so can only eat the dark bitter stuff that is nowhere near as comforting as most other chocolate. I hope your cold gets better before your clothes don't fit... NickyD
Couldn't cope without milk chocolate! Poor you. Cold getting better slowly, chocolate consumption decreasing.
Phew on both counts.
With my son who has itp, I've been given him homeopathic medicine. It pretty much tastes like honey. Its been working I think its called Hylands - Good luck feel better
I will be making my appointment for the flu jab soon as our GPs are in an upheaval at the moment and haven't contacted me with one. Our normal GPs decided to spontaneously retire, as in, walking out from a disagreement. Solihull Walk In Centre have the job of running it until new GPs can be found. Oh the drama haha. I will need to see them anyway as one of the GPs knew me from a very young age and was always aware of my ITP and it was easy to just go in and get seen without giving my life history. I need some repeat medication and may have trouble getting it if I don't go and see them. Oh the joys
Hey Nicky,
A friend gave me this recipe which I found helped a great deal more than I thought it would, at least with the symptoms (apologies for the vague amounts):
Ginger Tea
Peel and slice some fresh or frozen ginger root. How much depends on how big a batch you want to make. I think I put in about an inch per cup of water. Then boil the ginger with the water in a pot for at least an hour. Drink it hot with honey. My friend recommends adding the alcoholic substance of your choice if you're trying to get yourself to sleep. It did wonders for my throat and cough.
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