HOW TO BEAT A COLD... TO DEATH

It's not the worst feeling in the world but it does suck... You have a COLD! 

 

This means constant bathroom trips, Blowing your nose until it falls off, popping pills (legal ones) the list goes on.

 

The Common Cold or Cold for short is a viral infection of your upper respiratory tract — your nose and throat. 

Preschool children are at greatest risk of frequent colds, but even healthy adults can expect to have a few colds each year.

I'm sure we've all heard or have tried family remedies passed down from "generation to generation" and maybe we do feel better after following them or maybe its the placebo effect. Unfortunately if you catch a cold you can expect to be sick for one to two weeks on average.

Regardless I'm here to give you proven techniques to have you feeling better ASAP!!!

• Water and other fluids. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. Avoid alcohol, coffee and caffeinated sodas, which can make dehydration worse. 

• Salt water. A saltwater gargle — 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water — can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat. 

• Saline nasal drops and sprays. Over-the-counter saline nasal drops and sprays combat stuffiness and congestion. In infants, experts recommend instilling several saline drops into one nostril, then gently suctioning that nostril with a bulb syringe. To do this, squeeze the bulb, gently place the syringe tip in the nostril about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (about 6 to 12 millimeters) and slowly release the bulb. Saline nasal sprays may be used in older children. Unlike nasal decongestants, saline drops and sprays don't lead to a rebound effect —a worsening of symptoms when the medication is discontinued — and most are safe and nonirritating, even for children.

• Chicken soup. Chicken soup might help relieve cold and flu symptoms in two ways. First, it acts as an anti-inflammatory by inhibiting the movement of neutrophils —immune system cells that participate in the body's inflammatory response. Second, it temporarily speeds up the movement of mucus, possibly helping relieve congestion and limiting the amount of time viruses are in contact with the nose lining. 

• Over-the-counter cold and cough medications in older children and adults. Nonprescription decongestants and pain relievers offer some symptom relief, but they won't prevent a cold or shorten its duration, and most have some side effects. If used for more than a few days, they can actually make symptoms worse. Experts agree that these medications are dangerous in children younger than age 2. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is evaluating the safety of over-the-counter cold and cough medications in older children. Keep in mind that acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) can cause serious liver damage or liver failure if taken in doses higher than recommended. It's common for people to take Tylenol in addition to flu medications that may also contain acetaminophen, which can lead to acetaminophen overdoses. Read the labels of any cold medication carefully to make sure you're not overdosing. If a cough lasts after your other cold symptoms have resolved, see your doctor. In the meantime, try soothing your throat with warm lemon water and honey and humidifying the air in your house. Don't give honey to infants.

• Antihistamines. First-generation (sedating) antihistamines may provide minor relief of several cold symptoms, including cough, sneezing, watery eyes and nasal discharge. However, results are conflicting and the benefits may not outweigh the side effects. Humidity. Cold viruses thrive in dry conditions — another reason why colds are more common in winter. Dry air also dries the mucous membranes, causing a stuffy nose and scratchy throat. A humidifier can add moisture to your home, but it can also add mold, fungi and bacteria if not cleaned properly. Change the water in your humidifier daily, and clean the unit according to the manufacturer's instructions. If your infant has a cold, sitting in a steamy bathroom for a few minutes before bedtime may also help.

(www.mayoclinic.com)

While all of the above can help and have been proven to do so the best solution to defeating your cold is to drink plenty of fluids (excluding coffee, alcohol, and soda) and to get plenty of rest!

GET WELL SOON 

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- Peace