The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. For this reason, antibiotics are not an effective treatment for its symptoms, which include nasal congestion, chest congestion, cough, sneezing and a sore throat. Even though colds have to run their course, symptom relief is possible through various treatments.
Pain Relievers
People suffering from the pain of fevers, headaches and sore throat may find relief by taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. The Mayo Clinic warns that large doses of acetaminophen can result in liver damage, especially when taken too frequently. For this reason it is important to take this and other pain relievers as the bottle suggests.
Get Extra Rest
For the body to properly defend itself against the viruses causing the cold, it is imperative to get extra rest. This allows the immune system to strengthen while giving the sufferer time to fight the fatigue that often accompanies being sick.
Increase Fluid Intake
People with a fever, and those producing mucus lose a large amount of fluids, resulting in dehydration. Increasing fluid intake helps prevent this, and the best fluids to include are water, tea, clear juices and warm soup, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Chicken Soup
Chicken soup helps increase the rate at which mucus moves through the nose, helping to temporarily relieve nasal congestion while limiting the amount of time cold viruses remain in the lining of the nose. It's also an anti-inflammatory that works by preventing the body's natural response to inflammation by inhibiting the movement of the immune system cells responsible for this inflammation.
Sore Throat Relief
To relieve the pain from a sore throat, the Mayo Clinic recommends gargling with warm salt water--1/2 tsp. salt to an 8-oz. glass of warm water. This can be done multiple times a day, preferably every two hours for maximum efficacy. Another option is purchasing over-the-counter lozenges and using them as the package directs.
Moisten the Air
Dry air causes the nasal passages to become dry, making it easier for cold viruses to attack. To prevent this, use a cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer to replace lost moisture back in the air. This helps ease the pain of both congestion and coughing. When using either of these, it is important to keep them clean to prevent mold buildup. This should be done a minimum of two to three times a week.
