Common Cold Treatments

Categories: Health

Recognising the Symptoms and Causes of Common Cold Treatments

A viral infection of the upper respiratory tract causes the common cold. It is brought on by more than 200 viruses, the rhinovirus being the most prevalent. A runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing, and exhaustion are common signs of the common cold. The common cold usually passes within 7 to 10 days for most people, but certain symptoms, including a cough, might linger up to 2 weeks.

The common cold has no known cure, but there are some therapies that can lessen symptoms and help manage the condition. Common Cold Treatments can be divided into two categories: over the counter (OTC) medications and home remedies.

Over the Counter Medications

The majority of pharmacies sell over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, which are accessible without a prescription. Several over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are available to treat typical cold symptoms. Among the most popular ones are:

a. Decongestants: Decongestants work by constricting the blood vessels in the nasal passages, which helps to clear stuffy noses. They come in a number of forms, including as drops, nasal sprays, and oral drugs.

b. Pain relievers: Painkillers can aid in lowering fever and discomfort brought on by colds. Ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are examples of over-the-counter pain medications.

c. Cough suppressants: Cough suppressants have the potential to lessen both the frequency and intensity of coughing. Children under the age of four should not take them as they may raise the chance of adverse effects.

d. Cough expectorants: In order to facilitate mucus coughing and expulsion, cough expectorants aid to loosen the mucus. For those who have a moist cough, they are an excellent option.

Home Remedies:

Instead of using medication, home remedies are easy ways to cure and relieve the symptoms of a common cold. Several of the most popular natural cures include:

a. Getting plenty of rest: The body needs to rest in order to heal. Try to sleep for at least seven or eight hours per night.

b. Drinking plenty of fluids: Mucus can be loosened and dehydration can be avoided by drinking enough water. Juice, water, clear broth, and warm tea are all wise choices.

c. Using a humidifier: The air can be made more humid and less congested with the use of a humidifier.

d. Gargling with salt water: Using salt water as a gargle might help ease sore throats. Gargle for 30 seconds after adding 1/4 teaspoon of salt to an 8-ounce glass of warm water.

e. Using honey: Because of its antiviral and antibacterial qualities, honey may help soothe sore throats and coughs. Drink a cup of warm tea or water with one or two teaspoons of honey several times a day.

Tips for Preventing the Common Cold

Preventing the common cold is the best method to treat it once it does occur. The following advice is provided:

✦ Hands should be constantly cleaned with soap and water.

✦Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

✦ If you're sick, stay home from work or school.

✦Avoid contact with people who are sick.

✦Get a flu shot every year.

Additional Information on Common Cold Treatments

Other Over-the-Counter Medications: Apart from the above-mentioned OTC drugs, there exist several other OTC treatments that are effective in treating particular symptoms of the common cold. Among them are:

a. Antihistamines: Antihistamines can assist in relieving allergy-related runny nose and sneezing. Loratadine (Claritin) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) are two popular antihistamines.

b. Saline nasal spray: Congestion can be relieved and a stuffy nose can be cleared using saline nasal spray.

c. Throat lozenges or drops: Sore throats can be relieved with throat lozenges or drops. Menthol is a popular ingredient in throat lozenges and drops, which might help to dull the pain. Some contain honey, which possesses antiviral and antibacterial qualities.

Home Remedies for Specific Symptoms

These are some more natural treatments that can be applied at home to help with particular cold symptoms:

a. For a runny nose: To lessen leakage as you sleep, raise your head. Another option is to apply a warm compress to your cheeks or forehead.

b. For a sore throat: Sip hot beverages, like broth or tea. You can also try sipping honey tea or gargling with salt water.

c. For a cough: To help mucus loosen, drink lots of fluids. Taking a hot shower or using a humidifier are other options. Try using a cough expectorant if you have a wet cough. Try taking a cough suppressor if you have a dry cough.

d. For congestion: Have a warm bath or shower. Saline nasal spray or a humidifier are further options for you to explore.

Tips for Managing the Common Cold at Home

There are some things you may take to control your symptoms and feel better if you have the common cold:

✦Get plenty of rest.

✦Drink plenty of fluids.

✦ To add moisture to the air, use a humidifier.

✦Take over-the-counter medications or use home remedies to relieve your symptoms.

✦Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.

✦ If you're sick, stay at home instead of going to work or school to stop the infection from spreading.

Make sure to visit a doctor if your symptoms are severe or do not go better after 10 days, or if you have any worries regarding the common cold.

Additional Information

When to See a Doctor: 

The majority of people with the common cold don't require medical attention. But there are a few situations in which it's critical to get medical help, such as:

• If your fever lasts more than three days and is 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

•If you have difficulty breathing.

• If the mucus from your cough is thick and green or yellow in colour.

•If you have chest pain.

•If you have a severe headache.

• If your sore throat is severe or does not go better in two days.

•If you have sinus pain.

•If you have a rash.

• If you take medication or have a persistent illness that has compromised your immune system.

Conclusion:

A common viral infection that typically goes away on its own in seven to ten days is the common cold. To help with symptom relief and to make the condition more manageable, there are several over-the-counter drugs and home cures available. Make sure to visit a doctor if your symptoms are severe or do not go better after 10 days, or if you have any worries regarding the common cold.