Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Cold And Cough While On Zyrtec-D?
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Well this sounds frustrating. The possibilities for what might be going on are that this is a second cold on top of recovering from the previous one; that it is increase in symptoms from the original cold virus that you had not fully recovered from; or that this is an allergy.
For the first two possibilities:
If you have a high fever or are coughing up purulent looking mucus (and not just for awhile after you have been asleep), or if there is shortness of breath, then it is time to go in to be seen by a doctor.
If the symptoms are fairly typical for you when you get a cold, then I recommend the following:
1. Increased rest! Sometimes colds hang on, recur, or we get an additional infection because our immune systems are taxed with not getting adequate rest for the extra demands on it from dealing with an infection. If at all possible, try to lay down with a book, etc, and also try to get more sleep. Good nutrition is important right now too. Avoid junk food and things with high fructose corn syrup. Have foods high in Vitamin C such as oranges. Hot teas and soups can be soothing right now.
2. Consider using a steroid nasal spray. This can help stabilize the mucus membranes of the sinuses so that less discharge goes down and causes a cough. It can take a couple of days to see results.
3. A decongestant such as pseudo ephedrine which is the "D" in Zyrtec-D can help dry you up enough so that there is less drainage going down too.
4. If your secretions are thick and hard to get up or out, then taking a mucolytic (guaifenesin) along with a lot of water can help.
5. Some people find that the over the counter cough suppressant dextromethorphan helps them cough less.
If there is a possibility that allergies are making this worse (if you are in the USA, pollen from ragweed and other weeds are getting higher now), and if Zyrtec has worked better for you in the past than Claritin, switch back to that. And try the steroid nasal spray also, as it can help with that in the same way it does if you take it for a cold.
Again, though, if you have any of the more worrisome symptoms I described above, or if your cough just isn't going away with a little more time, or is getting worse, then do go in to have a doctor examine you.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Well this sounds frustrating. The possibilities for what might be going on are that this is a second cold on top of recovering from the previous one; that it is increase in symptoms from the original cold virus that you had not fully recovered from; or that this is an allergy.
For the first two possibilities:
If you have a high fever or are coughing up purulent looking mucus (and not just for awhile after you have been asleep), or if there is shortness of breath, then it is time to go in to be seen by a doctor.
If the symptoms are fairly typical for you when you get a cold, then I recommend the following:
1. Increased rest! Sometimes colds hang on, recur, or we get an additional infection because our immune systems are taxed with not getting adequate rest for the extra demands on it from dealing with an infection. If at all possible, try to lay down with a book, etc, and also try to get more sleep. Good nutrition is important right now too. Avoid junk food and things with high fructose corn syrup. Have foods high in Vitamin C such as oranges. Hot teas and soups can be soothing right now.
2. Consider using a steroid nasal spray. This can help stabilize the mucus membranes of the sinuses so that less discharge goes down and causes a cough. It can take a couple of days to see results.
3. A decongestant such as pseudo ephedrine which is the "D" in Zyrtec-D can help dry you up enough so that there is less drainage going down too.
4. If your secretions are thick and hard to get up or out, then taking a mucolytic (guaifenesin) along with a lot of water can help.
5. Some people find that the over the counter cough suppressant dextromethorphan helps them cough less.
If there is a possibility that allergies are making this worse (if you are in the USA, pollen from ragweed and other weeds are getting higher now), and if Zyrtec has worked better for you in the past than Claritin, switch back to that. And try the steroid nasal spray also, as it can help with that in the same way it does if you take it for a cold.
Again, though, if you have any of the more worrisome symptoms I described above, or if your cough just isn't going away with a little more time, or is getting worse, then do go in to have a doctor examine you.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Yes, you can try just rest, fluids, and cold medications - whichever ones make you feel better.
The steroid nasal spray isn't necessarily for nasal congestion but to help having your sinuses have less drainage down your throat, if you think that might be causing the coughing.
Information
Detailed Answer:
Yes, you can try just rest, fluids, and cold medications - whichever ones make you feel better.
The steroid nasal spray isn't necessarily for nasal congestion but to help having your sinuses have less drainage down your throat, if you think that might be causing the coughing.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
