Colds are easy to attack everyone. Colds usually affect a person and go away on their own in 3-4 days, although some symptoms take longer to completely disappear. Symptoms of a cold include runny nose, sore throat, coughing, body aches, headache, sneezing and low-grade fever. Colds make your body feel uncomfortable, and usually sufferers want to get better as soon as possible.
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Part 1 of 3: Relieve Cold Symptoms
Step 1. Make hot tea
Hot tea will soothe a sore throat, make it easier to remove mucus, and the warm steam can soothe inflammation. Chamomile is the most popular herbal tea for colds, but there are other tea options that work quite effectively. Green and black teas contain phytochemicals that can fight colds, and green tea helps the body stay hydrated.
- Add honey to your tea. The honey will coat your throat and help suppress your cough.
- If the cough continues to bother you, add a teaspoon of honey and 250 ml of whiskey or bourbon to the tea to make it easier for you to sleep. Drink only one of them because alcohol will make your cold worse.
Step 2. Take a hot shower
This will relax you so you can rest. The steam will loosen mucus, soothe inflammation in the sinuses, and relieve nasal congestion. Close the bathroom door to allow the steam to collect and inhale for 10-15 minutes.
You can also add aromatherapy or essential oils, such as eucalyptus or peppermint to your bath water so that the steam is more effective in fighting nasal congestion
Step 3. Inhale the vapor directly
You don't need to take a shower to create steam. Boil a bowl of water, reduce the heat and place your face at a safe distance above the hot water. Breathe in the steam slowly through your mouth and nose. Be careful not to burn yourself with hot water or hot steam.
- You can also add aromatherapy or essential oils, such as eucalyptus or peppermint to the hot water so that the steam is more effective in fighting nasal congestion.
- If you can't boil water, soak a clean cloth in warm water and spread it over your face until it cools down.
Step 4. Use a nasal spray or drop
Nasal sprays or drops can be purchased at pharmacies and are usually quite effective in relieving dryness and nasal congestion. This method is quite safe and does not hurt the nasal tissue (this method can be used in children). Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging label.
- Try blowing your nose for a few minutes after using the spray or drip solution. Mucus will be easier to come out and the nose will feel relieved some time after use.
- For babies, you can put a few drops of nasal solution into one nostril. Use a bulb syringe to suck the mucus out by inserting 0.5-1 cm long into the nostril.
- You can make your own nasal solution by mixing warm water with a pinch of salt and bicarbonate of soda. For safety reasons, boil water first and let it cool before putting it in your nose. Spray this solution into one nostril while closing the other nostril. Repeat 2-3 times before switching nostrils.
Step 5. Try using a neti pot
Neti pots use nasal irrigation to flush mucus and relieve nasal congestion. Neti pot systems can be found at pharmacies, supermarkets, or health food stores. This tool will help you breathe better when you have a cold.
- Mix a cup of warm water with teaspoon of kosher salt. Boil the water first and allow it to cool to kill bacteria and pathogens in the water. Fill the neti pot with the solution until it is full.
- It's best to stand next to the sink. Tilt your head slightly to the side until it is horizontal and place the neti pot in the upper nostril. Pour the solution into one nostril until it comes out of the other nostril. Repeat on the other nostril.
Step 6. Give VaporRub
This remedy is popular with children because it soothes and relieves coughs and relieves stuffy noses. Rub VaporRub on chest and back. You can also use VaporRub or menthol cream under your nose if your nose is numb from repeated blowing your nose.
It is best not to apply VaporRub or cream under children's noses as pungent vapors can cause skin irritation and respiratory problems
Step 7. Apply a hot or cold compress to your sinuses
You can apply hot or cold compresses to the blocked area. Take a clean, damp cloth and heat it in the microwave for 55 seconds. Make a cold compress with a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth.
Step 8. Take vitamin C
Vitamin C can shorten the duration of your cold. Consume up to 2,000 mg daily. Always tell your doctor before taking any new supplements or vitamins.
Excessive consumption of vitamin C can cause diarrhea. Do not consume more than the recommended dose
Step 9. Try using Echinacea
You can take Echinacea in the form of tea or pills. Both can be found in supermarkets. Like vitamin C, this herb will shorten your cold symptoms. Try this method, unless you have immune system problems or are on medication then you should first consult with your doctor.
Step 10. Take Zinc
Zinc is quite effective if taken immediately when the initial symptoms of a cold appear. This method has proven to be effective in helping you deal with colds. If you feel nauseous from taking zinc, try taking it with food.
- Do not use zinc outside the nose or inside the nose. This product can damage the nose and deprive the nose of the ability to smell.
- In large amounts, zinc can cause nausea and vomiting.
Step 11. Suck on the throat lozenge
Throat lozenges or cough gums come in a variety of flavors (from honey to menthol). Some lozenges contain numbing medications such as menthol that will soothe a sore throat. This candy dissolves slowly in the mouth and relieves sore throats and coughs.
Step 12. Use a humidifier
A humidifier will increase the humidity of the air and soften the mucus so it doesn't clog your nose. This tool will help you sleep more comfortably. Follow the instructions for use and clean it well so that no bacteria or mold grows.
Step 13. Gargle
Gargling with salt water will reduce inflammation and soothe a sore throat. This will release the mucus and make you feel better. Make sure the water is cooled first, if you are making your own saline solution.
- A solution can be made with a teaspoon of salt and about 250 ml of warm water.
- If there is a tingling feeling in the throat, it is best to gargle with tea.
- You can also try a stronger solution with 50 ml of honey, soaked sage and cayenne pepper, and 100 ml of water, all boiled for 10 minutes.
Step 14. Eat soup
The warm soup will relieve your cold symptoms. The steam will relieve a stuffy nose and relieve a sore throat. Plus, the soup will keep the body hydrated. In addition, chicken soup can reduce inflammation in some people and help fight colds.
Part 2 of 3: Taking Drugs
Step 1. Don't take antibiotics unless you have to
You don't need antibiotics if you have a cold. Antibiotics are usually used to treat bacterial infections, and not viruses like the common cold. In addition, antibiotics have side effects and overuse will grow antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Step 2. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever
Paracetamol, naproxen, and ibuprofen can relieve sore throat, headache, body aches, and fever. These drugs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and are sold over-the-counter in stores or pharmacies. Make sure you follow the directions on the label on the package.
- Some NSAIDs have side effects and can cause stomach problems or liver damage. Never use NSAIDs long term or more than the recommended dose. If you take NSAIDs four times a day or for more than 2-3 days, you should see your doctor.
- Do not give NSAIDs to infants under 3 months of age. Always check the dose of pain medication before giving it to older babies and children. Some drug formulations are highly concentrated.
- Aspirin should not be given to children under 12 years of age because of the risk of causing Reye's syndrome.
Step 3. Take a cough suppressant
Coughing helps mucus get out of the lungs and throat. However, if your cough is very painful and interferes with sleep, try taking a cough suppressant for a while. Follow the directions for use on the packaging label before taking the drug.
Cough suppressants should not be given to children under 6 years of age
Step 4. Use a decongestant
Nasal congestion is very annoying and can also cause ear pain. Decongestants or decongestant sprays can relieve pressure and swelling in the sinuses. These drugs can usually be purchased at pharmacies or supermarkets.
Decongestants should not be used too much and should not be used for more than three days so that cold symptoms do not get worse
Step 5. Apply a throat spray
Maybe your local pharmacy or supermarket sells a throat spray that numbs the pain in your throat. This medication works temporarily and relieves your symptoms. However, this drug has a fairly strong taste, and some people do not like the numbness sensation that this drug causes.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Complications
Step 1. Blow your nose properly
Close one nostril and blow your nose from the other into a tissue. Do it gently. When suffering from a cold, mucus needs to be removed regularly to get rid of excess mucus in the nose.
Don't blow your nose too hard because mucus can be pushed into the ear canal or deeper into the sinuses
Step 2. Get comfortable
Don't go to work or school when you have a cold to prevent the spread of the virus. You should just rest in bed and focus on getting better quickly. Put on your pajamas and relax. Your body needs to relax and rest in order to have the energy to heal.
Step 3. Sleep
If you sleep less than 5-6 hours, the chances of catching a cold increase up to 4 times. Your body needs time to rest and recover, especially when it comes to battling a cold. So, adjust the position of the pillow and bolster, pull the blanket, close your eyes, and sleep so that you get better quickly.
- Use a layered blanket if the temperature changes that day. This way, you can increase or decrease the blanket according to your temperature and preference.
- You can add a pillow to lift your head slightly and help relieve coughing and post-nasal drip.
- Have tissue boxes and trash cans nearby. That way, you can blow your nose and used tissue without any hassle.
Step 4. Stay away from excessive stimulants
Computers and video games can excite you with light, sound, and a variety of information that your brain needs to process. This will make you more awake and have trouble sleeping. Using electronic devices and even reading for too long will make your eyes and headaches worse, making you feel even more uncomfortable.
Step 5. Drink plenty of water
Your body produces a lot of mucus when you have a cold. Mucus requires a lot of fluids. If you drink a lot of fluids, the mucus will thin out and be easier to clean.
Limit caffeine intake when you have a cold as it will dry you out
Step 6. Avoid citrus consumption
The acid in citrus juices like oranges will make coughing worse. If your esophagus is already sensitive, the citrus will make it painful. Look for other ways to stay hydrated and take vitamin C.
Step 7. Set the room temperature
You should warm to room temperature, but not too hot. When you feel hot or cold, your body produces energy to warm or cool your body. Therefore, don't let your body get too hot or cold during a cold so that your body can fully focus on fighting the virus instead of keeping your body temperature at bay.
Step 8. Treat cracked skin
The skin of the nose can become irritated when you have a cold. This happens because you often blow your nose. A layer of petroleum jelly under the nose will relieve this irritation or use a tissue that contains a moisturizer.
Step 9. Avoid getting on an airplane
When you have a cold, you should not fly by plane. Changes in pressure can damage the eardrum when the nose is blocked. Use a decongestant or saline spray if you have to. Sometimes chewing gum will help you when you get on a plane.
Step 10. Stay away from stress
Stress will make you more susceptible to colds and more difficult to cure. Stress hormones suppress your immune system so it can't fight disease properly. Stay away from situations that weigh on your mind, meditate, and take deep breaths.
Step 11. Don't drink alcohol
While alcohol can help you sleep a little, too much of it will dehydrate you. Alcohol will also exacerbate symptoms and nasal congestion. Alcohol has a bad effect on the immune system and reacts badly to the drugs you take.
Step 12. Don't smoke
Cigarettes are not good for your respiratory system. This makes the stuffy nose and coughing worse so it lasts longer. Smoking also damages the lungs, making colds more difficult to cure.
Step 13. Eat healthy food
Even if you are sick, you still need energy and nutrients to recover. Eat low-fat and high-fiber foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains and protein. Try foods rich in vitamin C that can open the sinuses and break down mucus, such as pepper, mustard and horseradish.
Step 14. Exercise
Everyone knows exercise is good for the body, but exercise can also make colds heal faster. If you just have a cold, you can still exercise. However, if you have a severe fever, feel very sore or weak, you should just rest.
Lighten up your exercise program or stop for a while if you feel your cold is getting worse
Step 15. Prevent recurrence and spread of the virus
Stay at home and stay away from other people while curing colds. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and try to use the bottom of your elbow instead of your hands. Also, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
Step 16. Let the cold go away on its own
The symptoms of a cold are all ways to kill the virus in your body. For example, fever helps kill viruses and makes virus-fighting proteins in the bloodstream more effective. That way, if you don't take medication or other means to bring your fever down for a few days, you're more likely to recover faster.
Tips
- Sometimes, a cold is also accompanied by a fever. Compress your forehead with a warm or cold cloth if you have a fever. If the fever doesn't go away, take aspirin or ibuprofen to lower the temperature and relieve body aches.
- Don't feel bad if you have to ask permission to miss school or work when you have a cold. Your body needs time to recover.
- If your body temperature is difficult to control, try using a small fan.
Warning
- If your fever is severe enough (above 38 degrees Celsius), cough that lasts more than 3 weeks, has a chronic body condition, or doesn't go away, see a doctor immediately.
- See a doctor if cold symptoms don't go away within 10 days.
- Be aware that some cold medications have side effects or allergic reactions. These medications can also affect other medications, so always check with your doctor before taking any supplements, herbs or medications.
- If you have trouble breathing, seek emergency help immediately.
