Head Cold Relief

Though our body has its own way of dealing with pathogens there are times when the immune system is unable to get rid of these disease-causing agents. When that happens, we experience a variety of discomforting symptoms. The common cold is one such common infection that arises when viruses settle down in the upper respiratory tract. When the mucous membranes of the nasal passages get affected due to the viral attack, one is most likely to experience the symptoms of a head cold. One would experience headaches, sneezing and nasal congestion if the nose, sinuses, larynx, or pharynx are affected by the viruses. Chest cold on the other hand, is a lower respiratory tract infection. It occurs when the viruses spread further down and start affecting the bronchi and the lungs. In this article, we will learn about simple home remedies for head cold relief along with the symptoms of this medical condition.

Symptoms

Various types of viruses could cause a common cold. Rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, adenoviruses and many other types of viruses may cause a common cold. Though this form of common cold is not usually a cause of serious concern, the symptoms could be quite discomforting. These include a runny nose, scratchy throat, headache, cough, nasal congestion, sneezing, body ache, watery eyes, malaise or a low-grade fever. Within a couple of days, the nasal secretions start thickening and the color may change to yellow or green. There is a reason why the incidence of this viral infection is high during the winters. Well, due to the cold weather, people spend more time indoors. Thus, the virus can spread to others if the infected person coughs or sneezes through which the respiratory secretions are inhaled. Person-to-person contact can also cause the virus to spread to others. The symptoms usually last for 7-10 days. During this period, one can follow certain self-care measures that help in providing relief.

Home Remedies

Since the common cold is a viral infection, taking antibiotics will not provide relief from the symptoms. The use of anti-viral drugs, nasal decongestants or cough syrups can help in alleviating the symptoms to some extent, but pregnant women should first follow effective remedies. Drugs may not also be the best treatment option for very young children. Though a common cold usually resolves on its own, one can follow certain self care measures.

Take Ample Rest: If you wish to recover quickly from a common cold, make sure that you get plenty of rest. If you don't take proper rest, the immune system will have to work harder. This will affect your body's ability to recover and you will definitely take longer to heal.

Drink Fluids: A person suffering from common cold must stay well-hydrated at all times. There is a great need to make up for the loss of fluids caused by excessive production of mucus. One must, therefore, drink plenty of fluids. Water, fruit juices, herbal tea or warm soup can help in loosening the mucus as well. Since drinking alcohol or caffeinated drinks can cause dehydration, one must refrain from consuming them.

Inhalation of Steam: One of the best ways to clear up the nasal passages is to inhale steam. Taking a hot shower or inhaling steam from a pot of boiling water will surely help. You can also add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the pot of boiling water. Close your eyes and put a towel over your head while inhaling the vapors. Steam inhalation will surely help in loosening the mucus and will ease nasal congestion.

Gargle with Saline Water: Since a common cold often causes a scratchy throat, one can also gargle with lukewarm water. Add a pinch of salt to the water and gargle with this saline solution about three times in a day.

Nasal Rinse: Nasal irrigation can also prove beneficial in alleviating nasal congestion. You can prepare a nasal rinse by adding a pinch of salt and baking soda each to about eight ounces of lukewarm water. Rinse the nasal passages by squirting this saline solution into the nostrils and draining it out in a couple of seconds.

As winter approaches, take all possible measures to protect yourself. Maintain distance from those who are down with a common cold. Those who have caught a cold, can follow the aforementioned home remedies. If the symptoms are severe, and seem to persist even after a couple of weeks, consult a doctor soon.