If you have a scratchy and painful throat or you are constantly coughing, here are some tips to treat cough and its symptoms ASAP!
The weather is constantly changing and we all have got a little respite from the heatwave that engulfed the country. But now as we enter the monsoon season, there are high chances that of feeling under the weather with a stuffy and runny nose or a throat that feels scratchy and painful! The first instinct on feeling cold and cough symptoms is to want to get rid of them, isn’t it? Come, let’s help you with it.
While there are home remedies, let us tell you that there is no direct cure for a common cold. But, don’t be disheartened as you can certainly relieve its symptoms like cough, sore throat, and congestion by following these methods:
1. Drink plenty of fluids
When the airways in your lungs are inflamed by a cold, they produce more mucus, which then becomes thick and makes it difficult for you to cough up. So have lots of fluids to prevent drying and thickening of the mucus.
2. Get enough sleep
If you are sleep deprived, it can weaken your immune system, which makes it harder for your body to fight off infections. Get between seven to nine hours of sleep each night if you are suffering from a common cold and cough.
3. Use saline drops
The congestion in your chest once you have a cold and cough is because of the thick or dried out mucus in the sinus and nasal passages. This condition then gives you that stuffed up feeling. Hence, use a saline solution for your nasal passages as it can help thin out and moisten mucus.
4. Gargle salt water
In case of a swollen or sore throat, gargling salt water is known to be effective in order to relieve the pain by lowering down the pressure in the lining and reducing the feeling of soreness.
5. Take pain relievers
If you’re very congested or have a headache due to the cold, try taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen to ease the pain. However, if the symptoms are worse and you get a fever, it’s best to see a doctor then.
6. Take a spoonful of honey
When you have a cold, your oesophagus may become irritated, which can then cause a reflex that stimulates the muscles in your airway that makes you cough. Having a spoonful of honey or drinking warm lemon water mixed with honey calms your urge to cough.
7. Sip warm liquids
Consume warm liquids like broth or tea as it can help relieve symptoms like sore throat and make your nose feel less stuffy. Try having a non-caffeinated option like a decaf or herbal tea.
8. Take vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that is vital to boost your immune system as it also increases the production of certain immune cells. Taking Vitamin C during common cold and cough can actually get rid of the symptoms that make you uneasy.