If you've been plagued by sinus congestion, a cough, a sore throat, a headache, and a feeling of general malaise, you may have a particularly severe case of the common cold. In some cases, the common cold can lead to more a serious illness, like an ear infection or sinusitis. Consult a doctor to determine the severity of your cold and the treatment options available for your particular illness.
Saltwater
Saltwater can help soothe a sore throat and may also reduce congestion in the nasal passages, says the Mayo Clinic. Home remedy website Health911.com recommends filling the sink with warm water and adding 1/3 cup of salt. Lift your face out of the water, then blow your nose to loosen the salt water and congestion from your nasal passages. Spit any excess salt water out of your mouth, if necessary. Repeat until the sinuses are clear.
To soothe a sore throat, the Mayo Clinic recommends mixing 1/2 tsp. of salt in an 8-oz. glass of warm water then taking a mouthful of the mixture. While keeping the mixture in your mouth, carefully tilt your head back and gargle. Spit the saltwater out, and repeat with the additional saltwater to soothe the throat.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers will reduce a fever, soothe a sore throat and alleviate a headache, says the Mayo Clinic. To make your illness more bearable, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, like acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen exactly as directed on the label. Use caution when taking acetaminophen, because it may cause liver damage, particularly when taking a larger dose than recommended on the label.
Cough Syrup
Cough syrup may help reduce symptoms of cough and chest congestion, but the American College of Chest Physicians suggests that cough syrup is not effective in treating the symptoms of a cough. Instead, the cough syrup only masks the cough temporarily. In particular, the American College of Chest Physicians does not recommend cough medicine for children under the age of 14. Instead, the Mayo Clinic suggests drinking hot water or tea with honey added to help loosen congestion and soothe a cough and sore throat.
