Oh, the trouble with a cold! Your nose is stuffy, you can't breathe, your throat is scratchy, you feel like you have no energy, and you don't feel like doing anything. Are you also having this problem these days? Don't worry. Today, we're going to talk about some simple and very effective things you can do at home to get relief from this condition before you see a doctor.
1. Drink plenty of fluids and don't let your body get dehydrated!
This is the most important thing. Did you know that when you have a cold, the amount of water in your body decreases, which means there is a high chance of dehydration. Also, when you drink plenty of fluids , the thick mucus in your nose and chest becomes thinner and easier to come out . This also provides relief from sore throat and dryness.
So what can you drink?
- Clean, well-boiled water.
- Things like coriander and five-peat that our mothers make.
- A tea with ginger .
- Fresh fruit juice (with less sugar).
- Drinking hot chicken soup makes you feel great.
2. The amazing relief of steam inhalation
If you have a stuffy nose and are having trouble breathing, inhaling steam can make a big difference. This loosens the mucus inside your nose and reduces the congestion. There are several ways to do this.
- Inhaling steam from a pot of water: This is the method that many people in our country do. Boil some water in a pot, remove it from the stove, and place it on a table. Then, place a large towel over your head, sit so that the pot is covered, and slowly inhale the steam through your nose. But be very careful! Don't get your face too close to the steam and burn yourself.
- Take a hot shower: Close the bathroom door and stand under the hot shower for a while. The steam that collects throughout the bathroom will provide relief to your nose.
- Using a humidifier: Using a device like this that adds moisture to the air in the bedroom can also help relieve nasal congestion.
3. The correct way to clean the nose
It's much better to blow your nose than to pull your nose. But there's a right way to do it. If you blow your nose too hard with both nostrils at once, the mucus can go back into the canals inside your ear and cause an earache.
The best way to clear your nose is to gently close one nostril with your finger and gently blow air out the other side. Then do the same with the other side.
4. Rinsing the nose with salt water (Saline Rinse)
This is a very effective method for nasal congestion, even recommended by doctors. You can also use a saline nasal spray that you can buy at the pharmacy. Or you can make this mixture at home.
| Steps | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Making the mixture | Mix together 3 teaspoons of non-iodized salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda and store in an airtight bottle. |
| 2. Preparing the liquid | Add one teaspoon of the previously prepared mixture to 8 ounces (about a glass) of well-boiled (lukewarm) water and dissolve well. |
| 3. Washing the nose | Fill a syringe (without the needle) or a Neti Pot with this liquid. Tilt your head over a basin and slowly insert the liquid into one nostril. It will flow out the other nostril. Then do the same on the other side. |
Important: Always use clean, boiled water to make this solution. Otherwise, you may get an infection. Also, wash the syringe or neti pot thoroughly after use and let it dry.
5. Rest and warmth are essential
Resting is very important in the early days of a cold or flu. When you rest, your body can use all its energy to fight the virus that caused the illness. This fight can make your body feel tired. So, help your body by staying in bed, wrapping yourself up tightly, and staying warm .
6. Warm drinks and gargles
Gargling
If your throat is sore or scratchy, gargling with warm salt water can provide temporary relief. Gargle with half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water about four times a day.
Hot drinks
Drinking hot tea or soup can help soothe the swollen lining of the nose and throat. If you have a stuffy nose at night and can't sleep, adults can add a teaspoon of honey to a cup of hot tea. Some people add a little alcohol, but it's best to avoid it as it can increase the swelling in the nose and throat.
7. Some more simple, effective remedies
- Something like Vicks: Apply a little ointment containing `(Menthol)`, `(Eucalyptus)`, `(Camphor)` under your nose, like the one we all know. The smell makes it easier to breathe, and if your nose is red and painful when you rub it, it will also provide relief.
- Warm compresses for sinuses: Heat a damp cloth in the microwave for about 30 seconds, test the temperature, and place it on either side of your nose, where your sinuses are.
- An extra pillow when sleeping: Keep an extra pillow under your head when you sleep at night. This will help gravity drain mucus from your nose and reduce congestion. If you have trouble with your neck when you have two pillows, place the pillow between the mattress and the bed slats to create a slight slope.
If, despite all these measures, your symptoms do not improve after a few days, or if you have severe symptoms such as high fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, be sure to see your doctor without delay. These home remedies are not a substitute for medical treatment, but are only intended to help relieve symptoms.
Take-Home Message
- When you get a cold , get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids (water, cilantro, soup).
- Steam inhalation and saline nasal irrigation are two very effective ways to relieve nasal congestion.
- Gargling with warm salt water can provide relief from a sore throat.
- These are only temporary relief remedies. If symptoms are severe or do not improve, see your doctor immediately.
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