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25 Common Cold remedies suggested by our users
A common cold is rightly termed so because of the multiple kinds of colds that an individual goes through in his/her lifetime. A common cold is mostly brought on by the deposition of the rhinovirus (that causes a cold) in the nasal passage of an individual. The common cold is probably the most common type of infection seen across the globe, and children, especially, are more susceptible to this type of viral infection as their immune system is not fully developed.
Common colds are often a very mild viral infection that clears up after it has run its course. In isolated incidents, common colds can increase in severity and may lead to advanced infections like bronchitis or pneumonia. Once the cold virus has entered the body of a person, the symptoms of a cold start manifesting in about two to three days. The symptoms peak around the third to fourth day. Then, they wane off in a period of seven to ten days. A common cold is easily picked up at crowded places, schools and childcare centers. The fall and winter months provide the ideal breeding ground for the cold infections to multiply. During these seasons, the cold weather forces people to stay indoors and the spread of the virus is considerable.
Symptoms for Common Cold
The symptoms of a common cold begin within a few days of the incubation period of the cold virus. The symptoms for a common cold that are often seen, in the young and old alike, include:
A stuffy nose that is accompanied with runny discharge in most cases.
An itchy and sore throat.
Change in speech, which becomes quite hoarse and/or nasal
Watering of the eyes
Headaches
Fever that is low grade in nature
Aches all over the body and in the joints and muscles
Overall feeling of fatigue
In children, the heavy headedness and nasal congestion can make them quite irritable, and this adds to their overall discomfort. The symptoms for a common cold generally improve generally in a weeks time. Medical attention needs to be sought if one or any of the symptoms cause considerable discomfort to the person and if they persist over two weeks.
Common Cold Symptoms, Causes, Remedy and Diet
Causes for Common Cold
A common cold is a mild viral infection that is extremely ubiquitous in nature. The virus is released into the atmosphere in the form of tiny droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or blows his/her nose. Exposure to cold weather is often cited as one of the causes for a common cold.
Rhinovirus is one of the most common viruses that can cause a common cold in an individual. There are various strains of the common cold virus, which is why the common cold is so persistent an infection. As your immunity may develop resistance to one strain you could still experience another bout of the common cold when infected by a different strain of the virus.
The initial days, following the onset of common cold in a person, are the days when the risk of contagion is highest. Close contact with an infected individual puts you at high risk of picking up the infection, particularly if your immunity is low.
Apart from the virus that causes common cold, people who have a chronic medical condition are also susceptible to colds as their immune system is quite compromised.
Individuals with low immunity are more prone to catching colds. This is because their external barrier of protection is not as efficient and in such a weakened state the body is a lot more vulnerable to almost any viral or bacterial infection.
When a cold afflicts patients suffering from asthma, diabetes, or heart disease the symptoms of the existing medical condition are greatly aggravated. There may be difficulties in managing the symptoms of both conditions. Thus, the risk of contracting associated complications is higher in such cases.
Common Cold home remedies and natural cures, Questions and answers
Remedies for Common Cold
A common cold has to run its course before the individual feels any better. Most over the counter medications for the common cold simply provide temporary relief from the discomfort caused by the symptoms of the infection. As the infection is viral, there is little that medications can do to actually cure the condition. For this reason home remedies for common cold are extremely popular. Natural remedies for a common cold can help to facilitate recovery and provide relief from most symptoms. Because of the recurring nature of coughs and colds most people prefer to rely on home remedies for coughs and colds. Some such remedies include:
Lemon and honey mixed in warm water can be consumed twice a day. The high concentration of vitamin C improves the resistance of the body, lowers the toxic nature of the infection, and reduces the total duration of the cold.
Cloves of garlic, boiled in water and consumed as a soup, provide relief from the symptoms of a cold. The antiseptic and antispasmodic nature of garlic mitigates the discomfort. The oil contained in the garlic is also beneficial in opening up the airways, thus facilitating better respiration.
Ginger is also used as one of the home remedies for a cough and cold. Ginger tea, mixed with honey and drunk hot, provides soothing relief to the throat and clears the feeling of heavy headedness.
Natural cold remedies also include the use of turmeric. The anti-inflammatory properties of this root can help ease the symptoms of a cold and rejuvenate the infected person. It is best to consume a hot glass of turmeric and ginger mixed in milk, before retiring for the night.
A runny nose is a common symptom associated with a cold. To address a running nose a home remedy banks on the benefits of inhaling the vapors of turmeric, apple cider vinegar, or eucalyptus oil that can be added to steaming water water. This helps loosen the secretions, thus enhancing the discharge through your nose.
Steam inhalation is an effective home remedy for coughing and headaches that mitigates the intensity of the pain. The headaches associated with a cold are typically because of congestion. The vapors inhaled cause a discharge of the mucus, helping clear congestion.
Saline gargles are helpful to soothe an itchy and sore throat. The use of humidifiers may also be helpful, particularly if you spend most of your time indoors.
The symptoms of common cold generally require medical attention only when they persist beyond a couple of weeks. The chances for secondary infection need to be ruled out and the physician may suggest further follow-up measures.
Common Cold : Home Remedies suggested by users
Diet for Common Cold
A common cold is best countered with improved strengthened immune mechanism of the body. A generous intake of vitamin C helps to boost your natural defenses to fight off infections. Citric fruits, like lemon and orange, are extremely rich sources of vitamin C. A common cold diet should include lots of fruits, fresh, green and leafy vegetables, grains, and nuts. It is best to stick to a light diet rather than one rich in red meats and fatty and processed foods. Chicken soup is generally well tolerated by persons afflicted with a common cold. It helps to clear the nasal blocks and stuffiness. Chicken is also believed to help reduce inflammation. Spinach if added to thisthis is also beneficial as it is a rich source of vitamins A and C. Fish is also recommended in a common cold diet, as the omega-3-fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect and soothe the symptoms of a cold.
In addition to these foods, it is essential to increase your intake of fluids. This is because the enhanced hydration keeps the mucous and secretions from causing congestion and helps to dispel them from the body at a faster pace.
Suggestions for Common Cold
The common cold is not just highly contagious, it is also not restricted to any particular age, racial or ethnic group. Anyone can be afflicted with a common cold and due to its highly contagious nature, you need to take precautions against passing on the infection. The best way to reduce the frequency of colds and minimize the risk of spreading infection is to practice good hygiene. If you have been in contact with or the proximity of an individual afflicted with a common cold, make it a point to wash your hands thoroughly and avoid touching your mouth or nose till then. Rest is absolutely essential for a swift recovery, so make sure that you dont tax yourself too much. A lack of sleep can severely compromise your immunity, leaving you vulnerable to infections and also increasing the duration of the illness. Herbal teas can also be of great help when dealing with a common cold. Simply sip on some hot herbal teas like ginger or peppermint to get relief from the symptoms. This will also help raise your fluid intake and boost immunity. A common cold is only like to turn serious when the affected person is an infant or baby, or aged. This is because of a risk of complications developing.
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25 Common Cold remedies suggested by our users |
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cold
suggested by hetal on Friday, February 8, 2008
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| Crush some garlic and put it in boiling water. Strain the water and add some turmeric powder to it and drink when hot. Do this twice daily. |
Remedy for COLD
suggested by Kartik on Tuesday, February 5, 2008
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Cold attacks are seen frequently in the rainy season. Viruses are the main culprits. Cold in children is a difficult task to handle. Dabbing 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil on the child's pillow, when asleep is helpful. Keeping the child in a bathroom with hot shower proves helpful and effective.
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Severe Cold
suggested by Sridevi on Monday, January 7, 2008
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Boil water in a pan and put some Vicks in to it. Cover your head with cloth and take deep inhalations by leaning over the pan. This method reduces the headache and cold. |
keep off sugar!
suggested by [unspecified] on Wednesday, January 2, 2008
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| Don't add sugar to your ginger tea or anything else. It significantly lowers immunity!!! |
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