Symptoms of the Common Cold
Symptoms of the common cold usually peak on the second or third day of the illness. Over-the-counter medicines may ease the symptoms, but they won’t make the cold go away.
Over-the-counter medicines may ease symptoms but won’t make your cold go away
Taking over-the-counter medicines to get rid of a cold can help, but they won’t actually make the cold go away. It’s best to stay well-hydrated and get plenty of rest to help you feel better. You’ll also want to avoid touching your face and mouth, which can spread germs.
Over-the-counter medicines can be used to treat the symptoms of a cold, such as congestion, fever, and a runny nose. Some medicines also help with coughing. These medicines work by loosening mucus, reducing swelling in the nose, and improving breathing. If you’re taking one of these medicines, be sure to read the label for instructions.
In addition to over-the-counter medicines, you can also get immediate relief from your cold by using a humidifier or a neti pot. You can also use warm liquids, such as tea, to soothe your symptoms.
You can also take decongestants to relieve congestion, but you should always check with your doctor before you take them. They can increase blood pressure, which is not good for people with high blood pressure. Taking decongestants is also not advised if you have thyroid disease or diabetes.
If you have asthma, you should use a rescue inhaler if you’re wheezing. It can also help to elevate your head and use a pillow to keep your nose free of mucus. Using a humidifier or a neti-pot will also help to relieve your congestion.
There are also several herbal products that are claimed to help with colds. These products don’t have solid scientific support, but they are popular with people who need to get rid of a cold.
You can also try herbal remedies such as echinacea, zinc, and vitamin C in large doses. However, they can have negative side effects, and they also lack solid scientific support.
You should always seek professional medical advice if your symptoms don’t improve after 3 days. A persistent cough or fever can be a sign of a more serious illness, such as a bacterial infection. Your doctor can prescribe you antibiotics.
You can also try home remedies, such as making saltwater gargles, to ease a sore throat. It’s also important to drink plenty of fluids to keep the mucus in your nose moist.
Cough may linger
Whether it’s due to a cold or some other reason, a cough can be a frustrating and annoying symptom. Luckily, there are ways to treat a cough and find relief.
The first thing to consider is whether the cough is an indication of a serious medical condition. For example, a cough may be an indication of lung cancer, heart failure, or asthma. In any case, it’s important to make an appointment with a doctor if the cough persists for longer than a few days.
A cough can be caused by a number of different things, including an upper respiratory infection, a sinus infection, or even a fungal infection of the lung. If the cough is caused by an upper respiratory infection, you may be able to relieve your symptoms with over-the-counter cough medicine. If the cough is caused by a sinus infection, you may need to take antibiotics.
Another common cause of a cough is a postnasal drip, which causes mucus to irritate the upper airways. While it’s not as common as a sinus infection, it can also cause a lingering cough. If you have a postnasal drip, try using antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine maleate (Chlor-Trimeton) to alleviate your symptoms.
A cough may also be caused by a bacterial infection. Bronchitis, for example, is a respiratory infection that occurs when the bronchial tubes are inflamed. Bronchitis is caused by a cold, a viral infection, or air pollution. It can be prevented by washing your hands frequently.
There are also other things that you can do to alleviate a cough, including taking a warm shower. You can also try using a humidifier to dry out your indoor air. Using a vaporizer will also help.
Whether it’s a cold or other serious health condition, a lingering cough can be annoying and frustrating. A cough can be caused by an upper respiratory infection, a sinus infection, a fungal infection of the lung, or even a bacterial infection. If your cough is caused by an upper respiratory infection, try to stay home from school and work to avoid spreading it to others.
Treatment
Getting treatment for a common cold is a way of minimizing the risk of developing complications. Typical cold symptoms are sore throat, cough, fever, and shortness of breath. These symptoms may last between two and ten days.
A cold is caused by a virus that infects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. It is usually passed on through skin-to-skin contact or shared objects.
Most adults have colds two or three times a year. Symptoms usually begin with a runny nose. They may last for a few days but usually go away after a few weeks. A cold can be prevented by keeping your hands clean. It is also important to stay hydrated. Avoiding salty or sugary foods and drinks can help prevent dehydration.
If symptoms continue for more than three days, contact your healthcare provider. Your doctor may order tests to rule out other infections. Depending on your health, you may need a prescription to treat your cold.
Common colds are often treated with antihistamines, decongestants, and pain medicines. These medicines may help reduce body aches and lower fever. However, these medicines can have serious side effects, so they should be discussed with your doctor.
Over-the-counter cold medicines can be purchased from pharmacies without a prescription. They include antihistamines, decongestants, pain relievers, and cough suppressants. Your doctor may recommend a dosage based on your age and gender.
Many adults take antibiotics to help treat a cold. However, antibiotics don’t work against cold viruses, so they can cause side effects. This can result in antibiotic resistance, which can increase the risk of serious infections.
The best way to prevent a cold is to keep your hands clean and avoid touching other people’s noses and mouths. Drink plenty of liquids, and make sure you get plenty of rest. A good night’s sleep will help recharge your immune system.
You may also consider probiotics. These bacteria have been shown to reduce upper respiratory infections. However, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen. Some of these supplements may have allergic reactions.
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