The cold is one of the most common conditions we have throughout the year. This is a type of mild disease that causes the appearance of symptoms such as cough, fever, mucus, sneezing, general discomfort, etc. Below we want to discover the best cold medications, as well as tips so you can treat this condition so common in your home. We want you to learn how to take care of yourself and improve as soon as possible.
How to Treat The Common Cold at Home?
Treating a common cold very rarely requires the use of antibiotics unless they are specific or more serious cases (in which case, it is recommended to go to the doctor).
The most common when it comes to treating a cold at home is to have drugs that are designed to reduce the symptoms that are altering our day-to-day lives. Therefore, the most commonly used cold medicines in these cases are as follows:
- Ibuprofen lowers inflammation of the airways and reduces headache, muscle, etc.
- Paracetamol reduces your body temperature and lowers your fever if you have.
- Antitussive to reduce dry cough, in case the cold has caused you this type of cough.
- Mucolytic to eliminate excess mucus in the body.
- Analgesic pills or candy to suck and relieve irritation of the throat.
Medicines should be taken every 8 hours to follow treatment and feel better. The maximum duration of the intake should be a maximum of 4 days; if you do not notice improvement, go to your trusted doctor.
Although the vast majority of cold medications are over-the-counter, the medical community insists on avoiding self-medication. Contact a specialist and have him tell you the most appropriate posology, as well as the treatment to follow.
We recommend that, before you start with a cold treatment, read the label well. Only then will you make sure you are not allergic to any of the components of the drug and you will know its composition better. In case you’re getting medicated with any other medications, contact your doctor before you start taking a new drug.
Home Remedies for The Cold
In addition to the cold medications we’ve just told you, you should know that there are natural ingredients that can greatly help you reduce the most annoying symptoms of the cold. They are home remedies that have the properties of the ingredients that you are sure to have at home and that will give you great relief for your health and well-being. Here are some of the best-known and most effective:
Honey and Lemon
It is one of the most classic and popular homemade cold remedies. Honey has soothing and antibiotic properties that will reduce the irritation and pain you may feel; lemon is a vitamin C-rich ingredient that will help cleanse your body and increase your defenses naturally. To take advantage of its benefits, you just have to follow these steps:
- Heat a cup of water
- Squeeze the juice from half a lemon
- Add a teaspoon of honey
- Mix the ingredients well and drink it while the water is still hot
Vapor With Eucalyptus to Breathe Better
If the cold has congested your nose, one of the best natural remedies is to prepare a pot with hot water and eucalyptus leaves. Hot water will help you soften mucus and make it remove it by natural means; the eucalyptus will clear your nasal passageways and help you breathe better. To take advantage of its benefits, follow these steps:
- Put a pot of boiling water
- Add eucalyptus leaves
- Let it boil for 5 minutes
- Turn off the heat and carefully approach the pot to breathe steam
- You can surround your head with a towel so that the steam doesn’t spread all over the kitchen
Ginger For the Cold
And we end up talking to you about another of the best natural remedies for the cold: the ginger root. We are facing one of the most powerful natural antibiotics we can find on the planet and therefore it is a great ally to improve your health. To be able to treat the cold with this ingredient, you just have to do the following:
- Boil a cup of water
- Add fresh ginger
- Let the infusion boil for 5 minutes
- Be the mixture with the water still hot
Preventing The Spread of Colds:
If you want to prevent a cold, caution is the most important thing. Keep in mind that this is a very contagious type of disease and that it spreads through the drips that spread through the air when we speak cough or sneeze. To prevent the spread of colds, there are several very effective tips:
- Wash your hands regularly to avoid touching the virus and then touch your face or nose
- Avoid too close contact with cold people
- If you’re sick, don’t leave the house
- If you cough or sneeze in a public space, cover your mouth to avoid splashing others
- Keep your home and workplace clean and disinfected to prevent the spread of the virus
- Opt for healthy lifestyles by eating healthy and practicing exercise regularly
- Drink at least 1.5 liters of water a day so your body is well hydrated
When To Call The Doctor?
A cold is a prevalent health condition. However, there are some cases where you should call the doctor. One of the reasons for alarm you should contact a professional is if, after 3 or 4 days, you don’t feel any improvement. The cold will usually leave the body if we rest and take medicines to relieve the symptoms.
In case you have a cough or mucus with blood, it is also recommended to contact a doctor. Same if the fever doesn’t go down for 3 or 4 days. Symptoms of the cold usually improve with the passing of the days, so if you don’t generally feel you’re getting better, contact a health professional.