Yes, paracetamol can help relieve some symptoms associated with a cold.
How Paracetamol Helps with a Cold
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is a painkiller that can help manage specific cold symptoms.
Symptoms Paracetamol Can Help With:
- Sore throat: Paracetamol can reduce the pain associated with a sore throat.
- Headache: It can help alleviate headaches that often accompany a cold.
- Earache: If you experience ear pain due to your cold, paracetamol can provide relief.
- Fever: Paracetamol helps lower an elevated body temperature.
Symptoms Paracetamol Does Not Help With:
Paracetamol will not relieve the following cold symptoms:
- Cough: It is not effective for suppressing or alleviating coughs.
- Stuffy Nose: Paracetamol will not help with nasal congestion or a blocked nose.
Summary Table
| Symptom | Paracetamol Helps? |
|---|---|
| Sore Throat | Yes |
| Headache | Yes |
| Earache | Yes |
| Fever | Yes |
| Cough | No |
| Stuffy Nose | No |
Important Note: It's crucial to use paracetamol according to the recommended dosage and guidelines. While it provides relief from certain cold symptoms, it does not cure the cold itself, which is caused by a virus.
