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From: jrm@cbuxc.UUCP (John Miller)
Newsgroups: net.med
Subject: Re: Cure My Cold, Please
Message-ID: <359@cbuxc.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 23-Oct-85 10:42:04 EDT
Article-I.D.: cbuxc.359
Posted: Wed Oct 23 10:42:04 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 24-Oct-85 00:53:34 EDT
References: <31200022@uiucdcs>
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories - Columbus Comp. Center
Lines: 80

> 
> Now that cold season is upon us, and I am in day #9 of my first cold
> of the season, perhaps some of you blessed with medical knowledge
> can be of some help.  Here is some background:
>   My colds last anywhere from 1 and a 1/2 to 3 1/2 weeks.
>   They start out with a complete shutting down of the sinuses.  I
> have to use nosespray every two hours to breathe.

For me, nosesprays work great at first - I get the promised 12 hour relief,
but with subsequent use, I need to use it more often and when I attempt to
withdraw from it my nose shuts up like a steel trap! My advice is to never
use the spray, it only prolongs the ordeal.

>   The cold then drops down into my chest, giving me a cough and a
> hoarse voice.
>   My nose then begins to run constantly, having to be blown at least
> once every two minutes.
>   I feel lousy, achey, and tired during the duration.
>   I take contac or dristan for cold symptoms, extra-strength tylenol
> for aches and pains.  Sometimes an expectorant for cough.
>   Question 1:  What is the average duration of a common cold?

2 or 3 *BAD* days followed by 4 or 5 *better* days depending on your 
previous state of health and depending on how you take care of yourself
during those days. I find that if I have been taking my 1-a-days previous
to the onset and during the cold and if I take real good care of myself 
- e.g. when my body wants sleep, I sleep etc, it goes away fast. In fact,
I have no symptoms at all after 7 days.

If I don't take care of myself, have not been eating right, missing sleep,
etc - I tend to get more colds and much worse.

>   Question 2:  Is this a common cold?

A qualified yes, there are a zillion different virus that can cause it and
I have noticed that some will affect one area of my sinus while others
seem to concentrate on a different area. It is common in the sense that
it has been around alot.

>   Question 3:  What should I take?

good care of yourself, the drugs that are available CAN ONLY act on the
symptoms.

>   Question 4:  What should I do?

sleep alot and stay home for a couple of days - watch the soaps or rent
a bunch of good vidio tapes.


>   Question 5:  Why does every doctor I see when in the extreme throes
> of a cold, say, "It's just a cold, it'll go away."

Because they really can't help you any more then the drug store can and
that isn't much.

>   Question 6:  How can I keep from getting colds in the first place?"

If you are in a building (like at work) with a bunch of people that have
colds - avoid contact with them if possible, don't touch yours eyes or
pick your nose with your fingers (they may be infected). Wash your hands
(I'm not sure if this will remove virus, but I'm sure someone in netland
will set me straight). Above all, eat right, get enough sleep.

Also, be very very careful around final exam week, I would have a tendency
to run myself down and I could just about count on a cold for a reward.

>   This may sound silly to you, but I get no satisfaction (or cure or
> even ease of suffering) when I visit a doctor.  I am open to all
> legitimate suggestions.  I'm almost ready to try the Polish remedy
> suggested to me of equal parts of lemon juice, honey, and vodka!
> 
> Denise
> University of Illinois
> The Super Computing Illini


Good luck,

John R. Miller, at&t bell labs, columbus