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8 Tips To Treat The Common Cold

doctor near meQuestions, questions, questions, from, “How do I get rid of a cold fast?” to “When should I go to the doctor near me?”, the common cold, for how common it is, can really throw a wrench into your busy life. While there is no cure for the common cold, there are certainly ways to treat the illness to allow you to function and recovery more quickly. From over-the-counter medicines to at-home remedies, there are a number of solutions to keep you from feeling so miserable. Whether you just have the sniffles, or you’re full-fledge immobile on the couch, here are a few ways to treat the common cold.

A cold can last for a few days up to a couple weeks. If you’re symptoms persist, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor. Otherwise, give these treatments a try.

  • Stay hydrated: Sip clear broth, water, or tea with lemon and honey, but stay hydrated to loosen the congestion. Avoid coffee, soda, and alcohol – all of which can worsen dehydration.
  • Rest: Give your body time to recover. If you need to take a break from work or the gym – it’s better to rest now than to be forced into bed when your condition worsens.
  • Nasal drops & sprays: One of the worst parts of a cold is not being able to breathe properly through your nose. Over the counter products typically work well to clear your passage ways, but you can also try steam treatments.
  • Saltwater gargle: It may not be the tastiest remedy, but gargling salt water can help relieve a sore throat. Mix ½ teaspoon salt into an 8-ounce glass of warm water and gargle multiple times a day to ease the dry, scratchy feeling.
  • Tylenol: When the body aches set in or your temperature starts to rise, acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help you feel better. Tylenol, Advil, Motrin IB or a generic brand can all work effectively.
  • Blow your nose: Constantly sniffing mucus back into your head can cause deeper congestion. Blow your nose by holding one nostril closed and gently blowing the other. The pressure from blowing both simultaneously can lead to an earache.
  • Hot or cold pack: Use a hot or cold pack on areas of pain or congestion for temporary relied.
  • Stay isolated: Avoid spreading your germs by staying in one room or area of your home. Use Lysol or disinfectant spray to clean your space and regularly wash your hands.

Do I Have A Cold Or The Flu?

Symptoms of your illness will tell you if you have a cold, or something more severe. The common cold usually starts with a sore or “scratchy” throat – making it hard to swallow or talk. You’ll likely have a runny nose and slight chest congestion. The flu, however, has more intense symptoms and is usually identified with a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea – none of which are common with a cold.

Doctor Near Me

If you’re cold symptoms persist and are accompanied by a high fever, please call our office right away. We have a trained family medicine staff ready to take care of the whole family!

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