You know something occurs very often to everyone when the word ‘common’ gets tagged to it, almost as an afterthought. Such is the case of the common cold, or more medically known as acute nasal nasopharyngitis. It is a highly contagious upper respiratory tract disease caused by viruses, primarily picornaviruses and coronaviruses. Although it is generally not fatal and the symptoms usually clear up after a week or two, people with colds often seek medical or professional help, take over-the-counter medications, and take a sick leave of absence from work. It has been said that the annual cumulative cost of the common cold to society is considerable, in terms of money and hours of work lost.
Since there are over 200 viruses that can cause the common cold, the symptoms are usually varied. However, there are some common signs and symptoms that are usually present. They appear one to three days after having been exposed to the virus. The symptoms include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Congestion
- Sore or scratchy throat
- Slight body aches
- Mild fever (up to 39°C, or 102°F)
- Watery eyes
- Fatigue
The discharge from your nose will become thicker and the color might change as it runs its course.
Seeking Medication
Normally, a common cold will not have high fever accompanying it, which makes it different from other viral infections. That is why if you happen to develop a high fever that’s higher than 39°C or 102°F, then it’s better to consult your physician right away. At the most, a cold will just make you feel miserable during the course of its attack. Usually, your body’s immune system is enough to take care of the virus that is plaguing your upper respiratory tract. Of course, if you want to give your immune system a helping hand, there are two ways you can go about doing it: get medical help, or just turn to home remedies.
There are several advantages to getting rid of your cold using home remedies. For example:
- It is cheaper. Over-the-counter medications can sometimes cost a lot, especially if you go for the more potent stuff. Home remedies, on the other hand, have ingredients that can basically just be found lying around in the kitchen.
- It is all natural. Home remedies are made from natural ingredients, so you won’t be in danger of getting a chemical overdose.
- Your body will be able to absorb it faster. It’s a fact that the body tends to absorb natural things faster and easier than chemical or synthetic ones. A home remedy, made of natural ingredients as they are, will be used by the body quicker, thereby getting rid of the cold faster.
- You won’t need to leave your house for it. Since most home remedies can be prepared at home, you won’t have to go to the drugstore or the hospital for medications. Hence, you will be able to save time and effort.
The Home Remedies
Home remedies almost always include the use of herbs and soup made from organic products, coupled with rest and a proper diet. The most common home remedies include:
- Chicken soup. The use of chicken soup as a medication has already been recognized as early as the 12th century when Moses Maimonides wrote, “Chicken soup is recommended as an excellent food as well as medication.” Since then, generations of mothers have fed their children sick with cold with chicken soup. Before you think that this is just another old wives’ cure, some scientists have put the chicken soup to the test. Their findings? It does help get rid of the cold. They found out that it acts as an anti-inflammatory agent by inhibiting the movements of the cells in the immune system that respond to inflammation, the neutrophils. They’ve also found out that it temporarily speeds up the movement of the mucus through the nose, thereby helping ease up congestion and limiting the time in which the viruses stay in contact with the nasal lining.
- Garlic soup. Garlic soup has long been an old remedy for reducing the severity of a cold. Garlic contains antiseptic and antispasmodic properties. It also contains oils that helps open up the respiratory passages. Garlic soup can be prepared by boiling three or four cloves of chopped garlic in one cup of water. If you have a slight fever, the soup also helps lower it down by flushing all the toxins in your system.
- Ascorbic acid. For a long time, Vitamin C overdose has long been viewed as a very effective cure for the common cold. However, studies have shown that this may just be an exaggerated fact; there’s really no sufficient evidence that supports the theory that taking large doses of Vitamin C will help you prevent getting a cold. However, there are some evidence that taking large doses of Vitamin C–like 6 grams a day–can help lessen the duration of the cold symptoms.
- Fluid intake. Taking in fluids regularly will help in the reduction of toxins as well as lubricate your respiratory tract, making mucus easier to expel. Take in at least six to eight glasses of water every day for the duration of your cold. However, keep away from caffeine, as it can dehydrate the body and make your cold last longer.
- Warm baths and humidifiers. Warm baths or standing in a warm shower will help decongest your stuffy nose. Cool mist vapors as well as humidifiers also help reduce dry air that may cause congestion on the nose.
Aside from these home remedies, you should also get plenty or rest and sleep. It is a fact that sufficient rest helps bolster up the strength of your immune system, thereby reducing the length and severity of your cold. If the remedies don’t help, however, or if your cold worsens despite them, then don’t hesitate to have yourself checked by a doctor. You might already be suffering from something that is far more serious than the common cold.
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