As winter approaches, many people find themselves battling the common cold and cough.
The cold weather and winter season play a significant role in the development of these respiratory conditions.1
Let's explore three ways how and why this happens, and how over-the-counter medications could help provide relief.
People spend more time indoors
During the Winter months, people tend to spend more time indoors, often in close contact with others.
This increases the likelihood of viruses spreading from person to person.
Additionally, the cold, dry air can weaken our respiratory system's defenses, making it easier for viruses to take hold.
Heating systems can further dry out indoor air, leading to irritation in the respiratory tract.2
Your immune system may be under pressure
Let’s not forget the obvious: Winter is cold and flu season.1
Coughs caused by viruses like the common cold or flu tend to stick around longer in cooler months, and because we’re spending more time indoors with others, it’s easier for germs to spread.
This, coupled with less sunlight and changes in routine, can all take a toll on your immune system, making you more vulnerable to infections.3
Your nose is working overtime
Your nose acts as a filter and humidifier year-round, warming up the air before it reaches your lungs.
However, in colder weather, it produces more mucus to keep up – and that can drip down the back of your throat, triggering what’s known as a post-nasal drip.4
That little tickle in your throat? It's just excess mucus looking for a way out.
Symptoms of common cold
The common cold typically starts with a dry, irritating cough.5
This type of cough can be quite uncomfortable.
Bisolvon Dry Liquid is a suitable treatment for providing soothing relief from a dry, irritating cough.
It contains dextromethorphan hydrobromide, which helps to suppress the urge to cough.
The transition to a productive cough
Around the fourth day of a common cold, the cough usually becomes productive, meaning it starts to bring up mucus.5
Bisolvon Chesty Forte could be useful in conditions where there are a lot of secretions (mucus) in your air passages. These conditions include:
- Common cold
- Flu
- Infections of the respiratory tract
Bisolvon Chesty Forte contain bromhexine hydrochloride, which thins and loosens mucus to help clear stubborn chest congestion.
This makes it easier to expel mucus and relieves chesty coughs and excess mucus in conditions accompanied by excessive mucus secretions.
Cold weather and the winter season can significantly contribute to the development of common cold and cough.
Understanding the symptoms and knowing how to treat them can make a big difference in your comfort and recovery.
This is a sponsored article in partnership with Bisolvon. You can shop Bisolvon products here.
References:
1Cook GW. This winter, make the common cold less common: Advice to help you stay healthy. Asthma Magazine. 2004 November-December;9(6):9–11.
2Respiratory therapy zone: Winter Cough: causes, symptoms, and treatment, accessed 17 April 2025
3Scientificorigin, Why the Common Cold and the Flu Tend to Occur More Often in Cold Weather, accessed 17 April 2025
4HealthDirect, Cough, accessed 17 April 2025
5Eccles R. Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza. Lancet Infect Dis. 2005 Nov;5(11):718-25. doi: 10.1016/S1473-3099(05)70270-X.
6Bisolvon Dry Liquid PI; Bisolvon Chesty Forte PI.