For most people, suffering from the common cold is an annual occurrence. The symptoms may include a sore throat, cough, sneezing, fever, headache, etc. While there is no cure for cold, you can opt for some remedies at home to ease your symptoms. These may include sipping on warm liquids, resting, staying hydrated, and consuming cough and cold medicines as directed by your physician.

Before that, let us understand the common cold and its specific remedies to combat it and ease your symptoms.

About common cold

A cold refers to a contagious infection in your upper respiratory system. It affects your sinuses, throat, windpipe, and nose. Anything that weakens your immune system can make you more prone to catching a cold. This may include poor nutrition, lack of proper hydration, stress, etc.

Remedies to try

When suffering from a cold, you can try the following remedies to ease your symptoms:

• Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of liquids like warm lemon water with honey, water, clear broth, etc., lets you loosen congestion. It can also prevent dehydration. You should also avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, etc., that worsen dehydration.

• Take medication

You can take a cough and cold tablet to get some relief. However, follow the instructions on the label when consuming it. It is also advisable to consult your doctor before administering medicine to your child. In addition, speak with a healthcare practitioner if you are unsure which medication to consume.

• Keep your room warm and humid

Keep your room warm. However, do not overheat it. Also, keep the air moistened. This eases coughing and congestion.

• Take rest

Stay at home and rest if you have a bad cough or fever. It gives your body time to heal. It also prevents you from spreading it to others.

• Soothe your sore throat

If you have a dry or scratchy feeling in your throat, you can soothe it using sugar-free hard candy, lozenges, etc. You can also opt for a saltwater gargle for temporary relief.

• Ease stuffiness

You use a nasal spray or drop to combat congestion and stuffiness. Also, consider a balm to relieve nasal congestion. Today, you can easily buy soothing balms at an online medical store, just like medicine for cough and cold.

Conclusion

Sipping liquids, keeping your room warm and humid, and resting could ease your symptoms of a common cold. These remedies help you make yourself as comfortable as possible. The symptoms of a common cold usually last for one to two weeks. However, if your symptoms worsen suddenly or do not improve after three weeks, visit a doctor.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are purely based on external research. For better healthcare, we would recommend you approach a specialist.