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Does Zicam Work Better Than Airborne While Suffering From Severe Cold?

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Posted on Mon, 19 Dec 2016
Question: Does ZICAM work better than AIRBORNE for a major cold condition? Not for me but for my 84 year old lady friend...She has severe sore throat, coughing up dark colored phlegm, slight fever, runny nose symptoms.
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (49 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Information:

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

There aren't any comparative studies between ZICAM and AIRBORNE. Personally, at the start of an infection, I use Emergen-C 1000 mg effervescent packet dissolved in water, and also Chelated Zinc 15 mg. You can get both at most drug stores or health food stores.

In addition to these home remedies, I think your friend should be seen by a doctor. My reason is that:
Severe sore throat plus fever could be strep throat
Cough with discolored sputum plus fever could be pneumonia

If I were to see her in the office or in an urgent care clinic, I would get
1. A throat swab to check for strep
2. Listen well to her lungs, and also get a chest X-ray

While it could be a virus (including flu), it is also possible to be a bacterial infection which I mentioned above, and for either strep or pneumonia, an antibiotic is needed.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3133 Questions

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Does Zicam Work Better Than Airborne While Suffering From Severe Cold?

Brief Answer: Information: Detailed Answer: Hello, There aren't any comparative studies between ZICAM and AIRBORNE. Personally, at the start of an infection, I use Emergen-C 1000 mg effervescent packet dissolved in water, and also Chelated Zinc 15 mg. You can get both at most drug stores or health food stores. In addition to these home remedies, I think your friend should be seen by a doctor. My reason is that: Severe sore throat plus fever could be strep throat Cough with discolored sputum plus fever could be pneumonia If I were to see her in the office or in an urgent care clinic, I would get 1. A throat swab to check for strep 2. Listen well to her lungs, and also get a chest X-ray While it could be a virus (including flu), it is also possible to be a bacterial infection which I mentioned above, and for either strep or pneumonia, an antibiotic is needed. I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.