Every year, millions of individuals in different parts of the globe suffer from the common cold. The symptoms of the common cold include runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, cough, sore throat and headache. There are hundreds of viruses that can cause the condition which can occur at any time of the year.
Even today, there is no known cure for the common cold and when the symptoms are bad, some purchase over-the-counter medications or use home remedies for quick recovery. If you want to be prepared to handle a common cold, read here.
Chicken soup
Even though it already became a cliché, providing an individual who has common cold with chicken soup can help improve the symptoms. Based on a study conducted, it was discovered that chicken soup possesses a number of substances that have medical benefits that can benefit the immune system of the individual.
Chicken soup can actually help relieve the symptoms by functioning as an anti-inflammatory that inhibits the movement of the neutrophils. Take note that these are the cells that take part in the inflammatory response of the body such as the production of mucus. The steam and vitamins in chicken soup can also provide a positive effect on the body as well.
Increasing fluid intake
The individual with common cold must be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids. It is important to hydrate the body which is in need of more fluids during a case of a bad cold. Water or juice can help relieve the congestion from mucus while at the same time preventing dehydration. Always remember to avoid any diuretics such as coffee, alcohol or soda since they can worsen the dehydration.
Humidifier
There are circumstances when an individual ends up with a bad cold and this can occur in any time of the year but most common during the winter season. The dry air during the winter season is the much preferred environment by the cold viruses. Take note that the air can lead to a scratchy throat and stuffed nose since it dries up the mucous membranes.
During this period, it is best to utilize a humidifier inside the house to help moisten the air and the mucous membranes. Just make sure that you will change the water inside the machine on a daily basis since fungi, mold and bacteria can thrive inside if not properly cleaned on a regular basis.
Salt water
In some cases, a bad case of cold can be accompanied by a sore throat. In case sucking on hard candy or throat lozenges does not help, you can encourage the individual to gargle warm water that has salt several times in a day. This will help soothe the sore or scratchy throat. Additionally, saline nasal drop can also be used to help with the nasal congestion since it loosens up the mucus in these passages.