Most of us have experienced the discomfort of a cold at some point in our lives. Perhaps you’re just starting to feel it, or maybe you’ve been dealing with one for a while and want to know how to cure it. Either way, we’re here to help. Since there are lots of different colds out there, we want to answer any questions or concerns you may have about them so that you can get through your cold as quickly as possible. Keep reading for our top tips on how to cure a cold — from home remedies and natural cures, to medical treatment and prescription drugs — so that your sniffles don’t last longer than they have to!
What is a cold?
A cold is caused by an infection with a virus, either of the rhinovirus family or a different virus altogether. They can be caused by any of the many species of the common cold virus and are transmitted via airborne droplets of moisture, usually in close and frequent contact with the nose. People who are infected with the cold may have a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, muscle aches, and fatigue. Symptoms of a cold are a runny or stuffy nose, a sore throat, fatigue, and aches in the muscles and bones. You may have a cough as well. You can treat your cold at home with over-the-counter medications and natural remedies.
The best way to treat a cold at home is to rest, drink plenty of liquids, and take anti-inflammatory medications to relieve your pain and inflammation. Additionally, you can try eating foods that are high in vitamin C and E, such as oranges, kiwis, grapefruits, strawberries, tomatoes, and peppers. You can also take vitamin C supplements, which are available over-the-counter. Anti-inflammatory medications can help relieve the pain and inflammation associated with colds. Many anti-inflammatory medications come in two forms – one form is taken orally and the other form is applied to the nose. The nose form is taken up to three times a day to help reduce cold symptoms and relieve pain and inflammation caused by cold. These medications include topical decongestants, antihistamines, and corticosteroids. You can also try home remedies such as gargling with warm salt water, steam inhalation by placing a pot of water on the stove, or taking an over-the-counter cough suppressant.
Symptoms of a cold
- A runny or stuffy nose – This is the main symptom of a cold. A runny nose is when there is a constant or frequent discharge of mucus from the nasal passage. Stuffy nose is when you have congestion caused by swollen nasal passages.
- A sore throat – This is often accompanied by a cough as it can be caused by a build-up of mucus in the throat.
- Muscle aches – This is usually milder than the other symptoms and usually occurs in the neck, shoulders, and back.
Home remedies for colds
- Drink lots of fluids – This is essential to relieve your pain and reduce inflammation. Drink lots of water, herbal teas, fruit juices, and broth. – gargle with lemon. You can make a simple gargle mix with a tablespoon of salt, a teaspoon of lemon, and warm water. Gargle this several times a day to kill the cold virus and clear your throat.
- Take vitamin C supplements – Vitamin C is helpful in reducing the duration and severity of colds. You can take vitamin C supplements in tablet or power form for effective results. Eat oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, kiwis, tomatoes, peppers. These are high in vitamin C, which is helpful in fighting off colds. Additionally, you can also try taking vitamin C supplements.
- Breathe steam – You can inhale steam from a pot of water placed on the stove. This can help reduce nasal congestion and ease breathing.
- Take an over-the-counter cough suppressant – This is helpful in relieving the cough caused by a cold. Choose one with a decongestant or expectorant to relieve your congestion.
Medical treatments for colds
- Decongestants – reduce the amount of mucus and water in the nasal passage, easing breathing. They are available as nasal sprays, gels, or diluted liquids and should be taken three times a day. –
- Anti-inflammatory medications – This is prescribed by a doctor to reduce your pain and swelling and is taken for a few days.
- Antibiotics – can be used in severe cases and reduce the duration of your cold. However, antibiotic therapy is not recommended for most cases of colds, since it can cause drug resistance.
- Vitamin C-rich foods – You can take a vitamin C supplement or eat citrus fruits to reduce the duration and severity of your cold.
- Cough suppressants – These are available over-the-counter, and should be taken for a few days when your cough is caused by a cold.
- Antihistamines – These are helpful in reducing the itching and redness caused by allergy triggers such as allergy shots.
We hope that these tips will help you get through your cold as quickly as possible. Remember that it is important to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take pain relieving medications to ease your pain and inflammation. Additionally, you can try eating vitamin C-rich foods, vitamin C supplements, and gargling with warm salty water to kill any viruses in your nose.