29 January 2016

Cure for Colds

Colds are highly contagious viral infections of the nose and throat and bring congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, coughing, mild fever and headache. Most colds are minor illnesses and they usually go away within 14 days, with or without treatment. Children, along with the elderly, smokers, and individuals with serious health problems such as asthma, heart disease, cancer, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), tend to suffer longer when they get colds.

If your cold lasts much longer than two weeks or keeps coming back, allergies, sinusitis, or some other secondary infection may be the culprit.


"Fever is an important sign," says Dr. Norman Edelman, chief medical officer for the American Lung Association. Adults with a fever of  39 or higher and children with a fever of 39.5or higher, should see a doctor, Dr. Edelman advises. Colds can wear down your body's natural defenses, leaving you vulnerable to health issues ranging from ear and sinus infections to strep throat, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Headaches, fever, and sinus pain could point to a sinus infection that requires treatment.

Cure for colds:

1. Blow Your Nose Often - to remove virus and bacteria.


2. Stay Rested         
Resting helps your body direct its energy toward the immune battle. This battle taxes the body and so it is better to lie down under a blanket.


3. Gargle        
Gargling can moisten a sore throat and bring temporary relief. In addition, warm salt-water rinsing helps break nasal congestion while removing virus particles and bacteria from your nose.

4. Drink Hot Liquids
Hot liquids relieve nasal congestion, help prevent dehydration and soothe the uncomfortably inflamed membranes that line your nose and throat.

5. Take a Steamy Shower
Steamy showers moisturize your nasal passages and relax you.

6. Eat infection-fighting foods
Here are some good foods to eat:

  • Bananas: Soothe upset stomachs.·       
  • Peppers: Loaded with vitamin C.·       
  • Blueberries: Curbs diarrhoea, high in natural aspirin. 
  • Carrots: Loaded with beta-carotene.·       
  • Chilli peppers: Can open sinuses and help break up mucus.·       
  • Mustard and horseradish: Helps break up mucus in air passages.·       
  • Onion: Has phytochemicals claimed to help the body clear bronchitis and other infections.
  • Rice: Curbs diarrhoea.·       
  • Tea: Black and green tea contain catechin, a phytochemical claimed to have natural antibiotic and anti-diarrhoea effects.

No comments:

Post a Comment