Although not a worrying disease, the common cold can overwhelm a person. The key to healing it quickly is to detect it early. If you think you have a cold, take some precautions right away. Increase your intake of vitamins. Relieve throat irritation. Decongest the airways. These measures allow the body to fight the cold more efficiently and, with some hope, reduce the duration of it. Apart from that, try to rest and relax as much as you can. Do not take antibiotics, because the cold is not caused by bacteria, but by viruses, which are not affected by antibiotics.
Getting Rid Of a Cold Overnight
Method 1:
1.Detect the cold quickly
Symptoms begin to appear almost immediately after infection by the virus. The most visible signs of a common cold are a the runny nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, a slight rise in body temperature, mild body pain, and fatigue. To increase your chances of curing a cold efficiently, you need to act fast. About 12 hours after the infection, the cold will be intense enough to last for several days, so fortify your immune system.
2. Take an anti-tussive (only suitable for patients with dry cough).
Dextromethorphan and codeine are the most common antitussives (however, remember that codeine can only be bought with a prescription). Side effects may include drowsiness and constipation. Dextromethorphan may be purchased in syrup or tablets, sometimes in combination with some expectorant agent. If your cough is loaded with phlegm, do not take an antitussive, which increases the chances of a lung infection – use an expectorant syrup instead.
3. Use Nasal Decongestant
Sold in liquid or in pills, the nasal decongestant contracts the blood vessels of the membranes of the nose, providing an opening for the airways. Phenylephrine (present in Resfenol) and pseudoephedrine (present in Sinutab) are two decongestants proven to be useful in the treatment of colds and can be bought without a prescription.
You can also find over-the-counter spray decongestants. Just one or two sprained nostrils to start feeling relieved. Nasal sprays contain oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, xylometazoline or naphazoline. Use only as directed by the package leaflet or doctor. When used more than 3 ~ 5 times a day, this medicine may increase discomfort.
Side effects of decongestants may include insomnia (and other sleeping problems), dizziness, and elevated blood pressure. People with heart problems and hypertension should not use oral decongestants. People with diabetes, thyroid problems, glaucoma and prostate diseases should use this medicine only with permission of a physician.
4. Use an Expectorant
The expectorant can be bought without a prescription. It acts by reducing the viscosity of the mucus and dislodging the phlegm from the lung walls. With this, you will breathe better and feel more comfortable.
This medicine usually comes in the form of syrup, although it can be bought in pills or powder. Currently, guaifenesin is the only expectorant agent that does not require a prescription; seek remedies with this active principle. Of the syrups based on guaifenesin, Glyteol is one of the most popular.
Be aware that expectorants have side effects like any medicine. The most common are nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness. In case of such symptoms, stop using the expectorant immediately.
5. Take more Vitamin C
Much is said about how much vitamin C helps prevent colds, but did you know that it also decreases their duration?
Drink orange juice and eat foods like strawberries, kiwis, and greens to increase your vitamin C intake.
It is also possible to consume vitamin C through supplements, sold in pharmacies and supermarkets in the form of tablets. The US National Institutes of Health recommends a daily dosage of 90 mg for men and 75 mg for women.
6. Consult a physician
Our body is able to get rid of most of the cold alone, but the doctor may prescribe remedies that help fight the symptoms. However, do not ask your doctor to prescribe antibiotics, as they do not promote the improvement of symptoms and do not help cure a cold.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical advice immediately:-
- Ear pain or hearing loss;
- Fever above 39 ° C;
- Fever above 38 ° C and persistent for more than 3 days;
- Shortness of breath or breathlessness;
- Presence of blood in the phlegm;
- Any common cold symptom that persists for more than 7 or 10 days;
- A sore throat and fever, but no cough and nasal congestion (this is a sign of strep throat, which can cause heart problems if not immediately combated with antibiotics);
- A cough and fever, but no nasal congestion and sore throat (a sign of pneumonia, which should also be treated with antibiotics).
Curing A Cold Fast: Method 2
Decongesting the Nasal Track
1. Blow your Nose Correctly
It is natural that you want to blow your nose whenever it seems clogged, but be careful not to abuse it. As much as it frees the airways from excess mucus, cleaning the nose with too much force can provoke adverse reactions.
In fact, experts claim that the mucus attached to the walls of the nasal cavities can raise the pressure inside them the moment we force the air, further damaging them. To avoid this, get rid of phlegm only when needed and in the proper way.
The proper method of blowing the nose is this: use your finger to close one of the nostrils and exhale the air very gently. Repeat the process in the other nostril. When finished, wash your hands with bactericidal soap, so you do not pass the virus on.
To prevent the nose from becoming even more irritated, blow it with a soft cotton swab and pass petroleum jelly into the nostrils to moisten and lubricate them. Avoid blowing your nose too much.
2. Do a nasal lavage with saline solution to release the airways.
Any thin-tipped vial can be used to apply the saline solution directly to the nasal cavities that dilute phlegm and facilitates elimination.
To make your own saline solution, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt in 1 cup of water.
Place the solution in the container, tilt your head to one side (preferably over the bathroom sink), insert the tip of the container into one of the nostrils and pour the solution, which should exit through the opposite nostril. When the water stops dripping, gently blow the nose and repeat the process in the other nostril.
3. Take Steam
Steam is a powerful decongestant of the nasal bells: the heat released by it releases the phlegm, while the humidity decreases the dryness of the airways. Use steam in one of the following ways: –
To expose the face to the steam, boil a kettle of water. Pour the water into a bowl and place it just below the face. Cover the head and the front of the face with a towel to prevent the vapor from dissipating. To increase the effectiveness of the treatment, drip a few drops of essential oil of melaleuca or mint, which help to decongest the nasal cavities.
4. Take a hot shower
No matter how depressed you are, take a shower every day – this will help you get rid of the cold faster. Use the water at a warm but comfortable temperature, letting the steam spread through the bathroom. If you feel weak or dizzy from the heat, take a bath on a bench or plastic chair.
A hot, steamy shower works miracles in a cold person – not only because it relieves airway clogging, but because it provides warmth and relaxation. And it does not hurt to reinforce: the water should be as hot as possible. If you are going to wash your hair, dry it thoroughly after bathing – damp hair will scatter the body heat that should be preserved when we are sick.
5 . Take hot drinks
When we are cooled, there is nothing more comfortable than a hot drink. In addition to comforting us, it decongests the nasal cavities and relieves irritation of the throat, which makes it a perfect ally in the fight against the disease.
Tranquilizing and moisturizing herbal teas, like chamomile or mint, are good choices. Black teas and coffee may even lessen the dismay, but they are not as moisturizing.
A traditional and very effective home remedy against the cold is honey and lemon tea. The heat of the water decreases the congestion, the lemon strengthens the immune system and the honey combat sore throat. To make this drink, just add a slice of fresh lemon and honey to taste to a glass of hot water.
Because it is comforting, nutritious and easy to eat, chicken soup is one of the foods most often offered to patients who have a cold. There is scientific evidence that chicken soup limits the production of certain types of leukocytes that contribute to worsening symptoms.
Allowing your body to recover
Method 3 : Recharge Yourself
1.Take a few days off
The most accurate way to prolong a cold for days and days – perhaps weeks – is to maintain a routine that does not give your body time to heal itself. The most accurate way to get rid of it quickly, on the other hand, is to take a few days off, shelter yourself in a warm and comfortable place and relax.
Even if you’re reluctant to take a break, think of your co-workers – they will not want you to spread their germs through the office! By staying at home, you do them a favor.
In addition, the common cold is a virus that attacks and weakens the immune system, leaving you more likely to contract other illnesses or get worse. Staying home in this way is the safest option – at least until you feel better again.
2. Get plenty of rest
Remember that your body is trying to fight the virus, and in order to beat it, it needs energy. Wasting energy on home services, exercise, travel, and other activities will only prolong the cold and aggravate the symptoms. Try to sleep 8 hours a night and nap during the day whenever possible.
Even if you can not sleep, nestle on the couch with a blanket and a hot drink – take the opportunity to revisit some Friends season or reread the Harry Potter books.
When sleeping, try to use an extra pillow to make your head higher. Although sleeping like this is awkward at first, the high angle helps keep the airway free. If you can not get used to it, use a smaller pillow or place it under the mattress to create a more subdued elevation.
3. Keep warm
Which word is an antonym for “cold”? For it is “warmed”! Exposure to cold or wind does not cause the cold (the virus does), but keeping warm improves the healing process. Turn on a heater or light the fireplace and do not get out from under the blanket – it will not be long until you feel good again.
While warmth has certain benefits, staying in warm, dry environments can irritate the throat and nasal passages even more. To prevent this and to breathe more comfortably, use an air humidifier.
Know that humidifiers can favor the spread of pathogens and mold.
4. Hydrate yourself
All the catarrh released by the nose and the sweat removed under the blankets can cause dehydration, which, in turn, worsens symptoms such as headaches, dry and irritated throat, etc.
Drink more fluids than usual while you are sick. In addition to water, hot teas, soups, fruits, and vegetables with lots of water (watermelon, tomato, cucumber and pineapple) are excellent sources of rehydration.
To know if you are dehydrated, just check the urine. When it is transparent or has a very discreet yellow, that’s fine. When yellow is more intense, this means that the body is eliminating substances without being adequately diluted. In this case, drink more water.
Quick Home Remedies for Cold and Cough
Method 4. Treating the Other Symptoms
1. Gargle water with salt to relieve a sore throat
Congestion is not the only cause for discomfort during a cold – irritations and sore throats are also quite a hassle. The easiest and natural solution to this is a gargle with salt and water: the first moisturize the throat and the antiseptic properties of the second fight the infection. Just dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. If the taste of the salt is very unpleasant, disguise it by adding a little sodium bicarbonate to the mixture. Gargle up to four times a day, without swallowing.
2. Take Elderberry syrup
Elderberry is believed to be a natural immune system stimulant, hence its popularity among natural remedies. The flavonoids in this plant have antioxidant properties that prevent the wear of body cells. However, few studies have been done on humans, which puts their efficacy in doubt. It can be used in several ways: –
- Take a spoonful of the syrup every morning. Syrup can be found at most health food stores.
- Add two drops of elderberry extract (which can also be purchased at health food stores) to a glass of water or juice.
- Drink the Elder’s Tea – a hot drink prepared with elderberry blossom and mint leaves.
4. Eat a spoonful of pure honey
Honey naturally strengthens the immune system, has antiviral properties and decreases throat irritation, which makes it an essential home remedy for cold.
In addition to being eaten pure, honey can be added to a tea or warm water. If you like, you can have a glass of milk mixed with a spoonful of turmeric followed by a spoonful of honey. Try to buy natural honey from a local beekeeper – this helps the body to immunize itself against the allergens present in its region.
5. Eat Garlic
Thanks to its antimicrobial, antiviral and antibiotic properties, garlic is able to benefit health in several ways. There is evidence that raw garlic relieves the symptoms of cold, decreases its duration and supports the immune system, preventing future colds.
Garlic can be purchased in supplements, although it provides the best results when consumed raw. Knead a clove of garlic and leave it at room temperature for 15 minutes.
This allows the activation of a compound known as allicin – a potent bactericide, related to the most beneficial attributes of garlic.
If you have a strong stomach, the garlic can be eaten pure. Another option is to mix it with honey or olive oil to make a paste that can be consumed with water and salt biscuits.
6. Take natural supplements
Some substances are believed to help alleviate cold symptoms – they do not fight the disease directly, but they contain the breakthrough and help the patient push her out faster. Some examples:-
Experts claim that Echinacea herbal supplements are antiviral and help fight respiratory infections. If ingested in capsules, they decrease the duration of the cold, but you must start the treatment as soon as the symptoms appear.
Zinc is another natural substance that, according to some research, decreases the period of the cold and prevents the virus from reproducing. They can be consumed in capsules, tablets or syrup.
Ginseng is an ancient natural remedy that is proven to shorten the cold and strengthens the immune system. It is possible to consume it in supplements or in tea (produced with the root of ginseng boiled in water).
Tips
Take care not to let too much mucus build up in the nose. The mucus can completely clog your nose, forcing you to breathe through your mouth, which can be quite annoying. Sleep is also impaired.
Do not forget to distract yourself as much as you can from your body. You will be able to have fun as little as possible, even sick.
Buy mint candy and chewing gum. They help clear the airways.
Sometimes you may have back pain and stiffness from the cold. A massage can be useful.
Wear a scarf to keep your throat warm.
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