Tips For Taking Care Of A Cold At Home
In most cases, it is quite easy to take care of a cold at home. This condition can affect anyone and usually does not cause major complications. Still, its symptoms are bothersome and can prevent a person from attending work or school.
Symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing and coughing cause a feeling of general discomfort that interferes with your daily tasks. Fortunately, it usually improves in a short time by taking some self-care measures. Read on for more information!
What is a cold?
A cold refers to a viral infection that affects the respiratory tract. It can be caused by many different types of viruses. It is estimated that there are about 200 types of related viruses, such as:
- the rhinovirus (English link)
- the adenovirus
- other viruses
Throughout history, experts have tried to identify the factors that help develop this pathology. For example, studies have shown that this is more common in children (Spanish link), in stressful situations or in places where the environment is dry and cold.
Symptoms usually appear two to three days after someone is exposed to the virus. Let’s take a look at some of the most common complaints:
- Stuffy nose
- To sneeze
- General discomfort
- Elevation or low-grade fever (only in some cases)
- Cough and sore throat
- Headache
The mucus thickens as the disease progresses. However, the symptoms improve on their own within a few days. Despite this, it is important to put some tips into practice to deal with it and reduce the risk of complications.
Tips for taking care of a cold at home
If there are no signs of complications from a cold, a few simple measures are more than enough to manage the symptoms. By following the advice below and resting appropriately, the symptoms will be relieved in a short time.
Drink water and other healthy liquids
Staying hydrated is one of the fundamental measures to reduce congestion. Drinking a lot will thin the mucus and make it easier to clear, either by sneezing or coughing.
We recommend drinking both water and warm herbal tea. In addition, soups and broths often provide a reassuring feeling. It is important to avoid substances that promote dehydration, such as alcoholic or caffeinated drinks.
Make a saline solution
Using a saline solution can help you reduce discomforts such as nasal congestion and throat irritation. It is enough to dilute a quarter teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Then use the liquid to rinse your nose or clean your throat by gargling.
If you don’t want to make it yourself, you can just buy saline and nasal drops at the pharmacy. These products can be used for nasal congestion and excessive mucus production.
In babies, it is ideal to apply several drops of the product in one nostril. Then gently suck out the nostril with a rubber plunger.
Take care of the place where you rest
When it comes to taking care of a cold at home, one of the most important aspects is getting plenty of rest. However, you should make sure that the place where you sleep is free of irritants, such as cigarette smoke, dust, or strong-smelling chemicals. Exposure to it can make your symptoms worse.
You can also place a humidifier in the room so that the environment is moist and warm. This will help reduce airway irritation and increase the feeling of relief.
Other things you can do to take care of a cold at home
In addition to putting the above advice into practice, it is essential to remember the importance of reducing the risk of contamination.
- You should cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze to prevent the particles of your secretions from infecting others.
- Washing your hands regularly and avoiding sharing personal items is another helpful measure.
- If you are experiencing symptoms such as headaches or general malaise, we recommend taking pain-relieving medications such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
In addition, there are mucolytic and antitussive drugs that help reduce mucus thickness and cough. To avoid mistakes and problems caused by self-medication, it is best to go to the doctor and follow the recommendations.
