Common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that occurs with symptoms like runny nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing and fatigue. There is no cure for the cold, but there are things you can do at home to ease cold symptoms and accelerate its recovery. In this article you will see effective natural remedies to relieve symptoms of cold and support your immune system.
What is Common Cold?
The viruses (most often rhinoviruses) are the usual cause of the common cold. An infected person can spread the disease by coughing or sneezing, or by touching contaminated surfaces which spreads easily through respiratory droplets. The symptoms usually last for a week but occasionally lasting for longer. If symptoms are persistent you should consult an ENT Specialist.
Home Remedies for Cold Symptoms
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Stay Hydrated
When you have a cold, it is important to get plenty of fluids. Hydrating through water, herbal teas, broths and clear soups will also help keep you thin mucus and soothe a sore throat. Also avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, which will severely dehydrate you.
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Ginger Tea
Packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, ginger may also be better at getting rid of cold symptoms. If you would like to make ginger tea, just cut some fresh ginger and steep it in hot water for 10–15 minutes. Honey and lemon can be added to add some great flavor as well as more additional soothing effects on your throat.
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Honey
Honey is a great natural cough suppressant and also soothes a sore throat. Add a spoonful of honey into your warm water or herbal tea. Something to bear in mind is that honey should never be given to babies under one year old, because it can cause botulism.
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Steam Inhalation
Inhaling steam is great because it can alleviate nasal congestion and provide relief to aggravated airways. If you want to do: fill a bowl with hot water, lean over it and cover your head with a towel so that the steam doesn’t escape. Hot shower is also an alternative.
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Salt Water Gargle
Warm salt gargle helps reduce the inflammation of a sore throat. Relief can be had by mixing about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargling several times a day.
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Chicken Soup
Take chicken soup for what it is, an excellent comfort food, but realize it also can help relieve cold symptoms. It’s also a good way to hydrate with the warm broth and there are nutrients in the chicken that can help keep your immune system up. It also of course helps with nasal congestion and soothing the throat.
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Humidifier Use
Having a humidifier in your room adds moisture to the air and can relieve nasal congestion as well as soothe a dry throat. It’s a good idea to keep the humidifier clean in order to avoid mold and mildew growth.
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Rest and Sleep
Sleeping enough when you’re dealing with a cold (your body is working hard to get you back to health!) is key. Both help your body recover, strengthen the immune system and make it easier to fight off the virus. Should aim for at least 7 – 8 hours of sleep each night.
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Vitamin C-Rich Foods
Eating foods high in vitamin C, like oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, and kiwi will help to boost your immune system. Although it’s unlikely vitamin C will stop you getting a cold, it may help shorten their duration.
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Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil can remedy nasal congestion. A couple of drops can be added to the diffuser, or a bowl of hot water for steam inhalation. For further relief, it may also be blended with a carrier oil and then applied to the chest.
When To Get Medical Attention
Although home remedies can ease cold symptoms, there are times when you should see a doctor. If symptoms continue for more than 10 days, are no better, or are particularly distressing, consult a health professional.
Conclusion
While the common cold can be annoying, you can keep symptoms at bay and hasten recovery by taking advantage of some common sense and home remedies. Stay hydrated, get some rest and try using natural items such as honey, ginger, and salt water. If symptoms don’t get better, or if they get worse, you should see an ENT Specialist in Karachi for evaluation and treatment.
