Sponsored by:Adams Laboratories

As the cold and flu season goes into full swing, we all know what's in store for us: the familiar scratchy throat, runny nose, sneezing and coughing. We often call this illness the "common cold"; because everyone gets it. But although common, these infections are not necessarily benign. Complications can arise if proper medications aren't taken to control symptoms.

Colds, flu and bronchitis are the largest causes of illness in the U.S., accounting for about half of all illness in general, and 75% of ailments in children. Adults get one about once or twice a year, children more frequently. The average person has to restrict activity for at least one day per year due to these infections; perhaps spending a day resting at home. Most infections last for a week or two, with influenza viruses more long term and more severe than colds. The amount of time lost per year really adds up: about 30 million work days and 30 million school days. The total cost of nonprescription drugs used to treat colds and flu is at least 4 billion dollars per year. Doctors refer to this large family of viruses overall as upper respiratory illness, or URIs.URIs are usually caused by viral infections of the body's upper respiratory tract, although allergies and bacterial infections can cause similar symptoms. They occur with fairly predictable regularity in the population, according to season. We usually get them from hand contact, like shaking hands; or by breathing in viruses from the air. The infection frequently starts with a scratchy throat, followed by nasal drainage and coughing. Coughs usually become bothersome on the 4th or 5th day of illness, but they are necessary to get better.

Coughing is the most powerful method our lungs have to protect themselves from infection. In effect, coughing is the first line of defense in maintaining lung hygiene. Mucus, which lines our lungs, is beneficial in many ways. It acts as a barrier to prevent irritant particles from invading the lungs. It also helps remove and transport infections away from the respiratory system. But many patients with URIs and bronchitis experience dry, unproductive coughs caused by extremely thick mucus that is difficult to expel. If this mucus collects in the lungs, bacteria might breed there, causing further infection and inflammation. Existing lung conditions such as asthma can also be made worse. This situation occurs in 20% of such cases. That's why doctors sometimes prescribe a medication that can thin out these thick respiratory tract secretions, to make coughing more productive.

This is good information to know as we approach the peak of cold and flu season. Although we may dislike all the coughing that comes with these respiratory infections, medicines containing expectorant can help us cough better… supporting our body's natural defense system, the lungs.