Colds are often caused by viruses, but coughs can be caused by several factors, including viral, bacterial, and fungal infections; it can also be productive - greasy that produces mucus - or non-productive, ie dry without the formation of phlegm. If you have a cold accompanied by a cough, there are a few things you can do to get rid of it.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: With Drugs
Step 1. Take a pain reliever
Colds are often accompanied by muscle aches and pains; you can take acetaminophen (Tachipirina) or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as Brufen or Momendol, to relieve discomfort.
Do not give aspirin to children and adolescents under 19, as there is a risk of developing Reye's syndrome
Step 2. Take over-the-counter cold medications
Some are available without a prescription, but there is little evidence that they are more effective than just resting, taking fluids and nutrients; however, they can soothe the symptoms.
- Always read the label of any medications you take and talk to your pharmacist about possible interactions. Some contain more active ingredients; therefore, if you take one that contains for example paracetamol, diphenhydramine and phenylephrine, and at the same time you take another that contains paracetamol, you may accidentally overdose.
- Decongestants can help clear a stuffy nose and you can take them in tablets or in the form of a nasal spray; but be careful not to use them for more than 3 days. Try pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) or oxymetazoline (Actifed nasal).
- Antihistamines help manage cough caused by allergies; those that contain diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness, while others, such as those containing loratadine (Clarityn), do not typically cause this side effect.
- Expectorants are indicated in case of a fat cough, with production of mucus, because they help to expel it; antitussives, on the other hand, reduce coughing.
Step 3. Use a menthol conditioner
Topical camphor and menthol-based ointments, such as Vicks Vaporub, are commonly used for sinus congestion and cough; it is sufficient to spread a small amount on the chest and around the nose.
Step 4. Call the doctor
If you haven't seen your doctor yet and these remedies haven't brought any relief within 5-7 days, make an appointment for a visit; it could be a more serious situation. If you experience the symptoms described below, contact him for a visit:
- Cough with thick and / or yellowish-green phlegm.
- Wheezing or whistling at the beginning or end of the breath.
- Unusual sounding cough and difficulty breathing after the cough ends.
- Fever (38.9 ° C in infants three to six months or 39.4 ° C in older children and adults).
- Difficulty in breathing.
Method 2 of 3: With Home Remedies
Step 1. Get plenty of rest
One of the most effective ways to get rid of coughs and colds is rest; this means sleeping more than usual, even up to 12 hours a night. Take a day off from work or school if necessary to avoid infecting co-workers or peers.
Step 2. Use a humidifier
Humid air helps make you feel better; you can use a vaporizer or humidifier; alternatively you can breathe in the humid air by taking a very hot and steaming shower.
Put some essential oil in the appliance, such as eucalyptus oil. You can also use a cloth soaked in oil while taking a shower; put it under the stream of water, so that it releases the scent
Step 3. Drink fluids
You have to take a lot of them during your illness, especially water; At a minimum, aim to consume 10 8-ounce glasses a day to relieve congestion and loosen mucus.
- You can also drink juices, clear chicken broth, herbal tea or other vegetable broths.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
- If you wish, you can add honey and lemon to the water or tea.
Step 4. Eat a healthy diet
During an illness it is important to get the nutrients the body needs to heal; Foods rich in vitamins and minerals strengthen the immune system, thus helping it to fight colds.
Make sure you are getting enough B vitamins, vitamin C, zinc and copper; you can take supplements to ensure your daily requirement of these precious substances
Step 5. Eat some soups
Sipping or drinking hot liquids, such as chicken soup, is a traditional natural remedy in many cultures; in Asian countries, hot and spicy soups are used as healing remedies, such as those based on chilli, lemongrass and ginger.
- Spicy foods can help drain the sinuses and soothe cold symptoms.
- Garlic, onion, and mushrooms help reduce inflammation and are great sources of antioxidants.
Step 6. Gargle with warm salt water
Salt helps reduce swelling of the throat and consequently the frequency of coughing. Add a teaspoon of sea salt (table salt is fine if you don't have it) in about 180 ml of water; stir to dissolve and gargle.
Salt provides several minerals that are valuable to the immune system, such as zinc, selenium and magnesium
Method 3 of 3: With Herbal Remedies (Unverified)
Step 1. Use honey
Any organic honey has antibacterial and antiviral properties, but you should try the medicinal one, such as Manuka native to New Zealand. Heat about 250ml and add 3-4 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice; if you only have packaged lemon juice, use 4-5 tbsp. When you feel the need for a cough reliever, take 1-2 tablespoons of this mixture.
- You can also slice a whole lemon, previously washed (keeping the peel and seeds) and add it to 250 ml of honey. Heat the mixture over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring constantly and trying to break the slices. Add 60-80ml of water as you heat the mixture over the flame; wait for it to cool and take a spoonful as needed.
- Lemon is an important ingredient, because its juice contains a lot of vitamin C; that of a single lemon contains 51% of the entire daily requirement. The juice also has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
- You can also add some garlic; it is a plant with antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, antifungal properties and also stimulates the immune system. Peel 2-3 cloves and chop them as finely as possible; alternatively you can take ginger, which acts as an expectorant. Cut a small piece of root about 3-4 cm and grate it finely; add the honey and lemon mixture before incorporating the water.
- Do not give honey to babies under one year old, as there is a small risk of contracting infant botulism.
Step 2. Make a solution of milk and turmeric
It is a traditional remedy for colds, as it has antibacterial properties that help relieve coughs and colds. Add half a teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of warm milk and mix; if you don't like the taste of cow's milk, you can try soy or almond.
Step 3. Use expectorant herbs
They are medicinal herbs that help increase the production of secretions and dissolve them in order to facilitate their expulsion with a cough. However, this does not mean that they should be taken by mouth, but you can dilute them and apply them on the skin or inhale them, as some are toxic if swallowed. These are essential oils or dried herbs with antibacterial, antifungal or antiseptic properties, as well as expectorants, meaning that they are able to kill bacteria and other pathogens that infect the sinuses and cause colds. Talk to your doctor before taking any of these herbal remedies, especially if you are on drug therapy, are pregnant or want to treat children. Some widely available plants that act as expectorants are:
- Eucalyptus.
- Elecampane.
- Red elm.
- Fennel seeds.
- Camphor.
- Officinal hyssop.
- Lobelia.
- Mullein.
- Thyme.
- Roman mint and peppermint.
- Ginger.
Step 4. Make an herbal tea
Take a teaspoon of a dried herb of your choice (or three teaspoons of fresh herb) and steep it in 250ml of boiling water; let it steep for 5-10 minutes and drink 4 to 6 cups a day, sipping them throughout the day.
To improve the taste, you can also add a little honey and lemon
Step 5. Try herbal steam
This remedy allows the properties of plants to act directly in the lungs quickly and effectively; the steam also helps open the nasal passages and loosen the mucus. You can use either dried medicinal herbs or their essential oils; both are effective and the choice basically depends on your personal preferences and availability.
- Add one or two drops of any essential oil with an expectorant effect or one or two teaspoons of dried herbs; initially, use only one drop for every liter of water; once the herbs have been added, boil for another minute, turn off the heat, remove the pot from the heat by placing it in a comfortable place and start breathing in the steam.
- Cover your head with a large clean cotton towel and lean over the pot wrapping your head; close your eyes and keep your head at a distance of about 30 cm from the surface; let the heat enter your nose, throat and lungs, but not burn yourself.
- Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth for a count of 5 and then continue through your mouth only, for a count of 2. Repeat for 10 minutes or until the water stops releasing steam.
- During and after the treatment try to blow your nose and cough.
- You can follow this remedy every 2 hours or according to your schedule.
