If you are suffering with sniffles, head congestion, a sore throat and a cough, you have probably been struck down with the common cold. The common cold is not a serious medical condition and affects most adults at least twice a year, says the Mayo Clinic. If symptoms last longer than two weeks, contact a doctor. Otherwise, you can relieve your symptoms with at-home care.
Salt Water
Gargling with salt water can help cut mucus that collects in the back of the throat and causes throat irritation. Gargling will also help soothe the pain of a sore throat, says Michael Benninger, M.D., chairman of the department of otolaryngology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Mich. Add 1/2 tsp. salt into a glass of warm water and mix thoroughly. Test the water to be sure it is not too hot before putting it in your mouth. Take a mouthful of the salt water solution, then tip your head back and gargle the water for several seconds. Spit out the water, take another mouthful and gargle it. Repeat until all the water has been gargled. Do not swallow the salt water.
Humidifier
When you have a cold, your throat may feel dry, sore and scratchy. To help keep your throat and vocal cords hydrated, run a humidifier. Keep the humidifier on all night to minimize throat discomfort, recommends the Mayo Clinic. A humidifier releases water vapor into the air, which is absorbed by your throat as you breathe in through your nose and mouth. A dirty humidifier can send harmful bacteria into the air. Clean your humidifier once every three days to help prevent the spread of bacteria, recommends the Mayo Clinic.
Honey, Lemon and Hot Water
To soothe your sore throat, drink a solution of honey, lemon and water as needed throughout the day. Heat warm water to a boil, then pour it into a mug. Add 1 tsp. honey and 1 tsp. lemon, then stir. Add more lemon and honey to taste, if necessary. Sip the mixture slowly while inhaling the steam. Lemon cuts the mucus, while honey coats and soothes the sore throat, says the Mayo Clinic.
