The common cold is a contagious upper respiratory infection caused by the rhinovirus. Symptoms commonly include nasal congestion, a runny nose and sneezing, but may also include a cough, headache and muscle aches as well as a sore throat and fever. In people who have asthma, a cold may also trigger asthma symptoms. Once infected, the symptoms usually last up to seven days, according to MedlinePlus. There is no cure for the cold, and the only treatment involves allowing the virus to run its course and taking steps to relieve the symptoms.
Step 1
Stay in bed and rest for the first few days, if possible. Resting conserves your energy so that your immune system can fight the virus.
Step 2
Take over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen, decongestants and antihistamines. These drugs help relieve some of the most common cold symptoms such as congestion and sneezing, according to MayoClinic.com.
Step 3
Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, juice and tea. Mucus gets thicker during a cold, and staying hydrated moistens the mucus membranes and makes the mucus thinner to relieve nasal congestion.
Step 4
Dissolve one tablespoon of eucalyptus chest rub in a heat-safe bowl filled with two cups of boiling water. Lean over the bowl, cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam to relieve congestion.
Step 5
Use saline nasal drops or nasal sprays to clear nasal congestion. Saline sprays do not cause the congestion to become worse when you discontinue use, as with medicated nasal sprays, according to MayoClinic.com.
Step 6
Eat chicken soup. Chicken soup relieves inflammation and helps clear mucus to relieve congestion, according to MayoClinic.com.
Things You'll Need
- Over-the-counter medications
- Water, juice and tea
- Eucalyptus chest rub
- Saline nasal spray
- Chicken soup
