By Holli Ogrady
Winter often brings miserable colds. While doctors still have not discovered a cure for the common cold, there are some home remedies to relieve a few of the symptoms. The following can help to provide nasal congestion relief and make having a cold more bearable.
At the first symptom of a cold begin to push fluids. This can thin mucus that forms, making it easier for a person to breathe, help to moisten the throat and prevent dehydration. Limit caffeinated drinks as caffeine has a diuretic effect and may cause the symptoms to become more severe.
Keep the air in the room where the sick individual is staying moist. Steam can help to stop post nasal drip and reduce mucus. While humidifiers are effective, it is also possible to add moisture to the air with a pot of water heated on top of the stove. Add peppermint or eucalyptus oil for additional help.
When blowing the nose, do it in the right way. Do not sniff mucus back into the head, but blow gently into a tissue. Blowing hard can force germs back into the ear canals resulting in an ear infection. Press a finger over one nostril, cover the other with a tissue and blow gently in order to clear.
Use saline sprays or nasal irrigation instead of antihistamine sprays. A Neti Pot or bulb syringe can be used to irrigate the nose. Salt water solutions should be made with bottled or boiled tap water to prevent introducing microbes from the water supply into the sinus passages.
Keep the body warm and rested. Warmth and rest allows the body to have the needed energy to fight the cold. Avoid getting a chill by using a blanket to keep warm when resting. Pushing to complete a task can cause one to be sick longer.
Choose hot liquids for drinks. They provide additional steam and hydration. The heat helps to soothe swollen throat and nose membranes. Drinks such as decaffeinated teas with honey and lemon as well as broth based soups are great choices.
Elevate the head at night. This helps to keep the sinus cavities empty of fluids and allows the individual to breathe. Add extra pillows to make it easier to sleep.
If the cold does not get better within a week, it is time to see a doctor. During the winter months, colds that continue can quickly turn into bronchitis or pneumonia. While these home based congestion relief remedies are good for colds, they cannot fight these more serious conditions.
At the first symptom of a cold begin to push fluids. This can thin mucus that forms, making it easier for a person to breathe, help to moisten the throat and prevent dehydration. Limit caffeinated drinks as caffeine has a diuretic effect and may cause the symptoms to become more severe.
Keep the air in the room where the sick individual is staying moist. Steam can help to stop post nasal drip and reduce mucus. While humidifiers are effective, it is also possible to add moisture to the air with a pot of water heated on top of the stove. Add peppermint or eucalyptus oil for additional help.
When blowing the nose, do it in the right way. Do not sniff mucus back into the head, but blow gently into a tissue. Blowing hard can force germs back into the ear canals resulting in an ear infection. Press a finger over one nostril, cover the other with a tissue and blow gently in order to clear.
Use saline sprays or nasal irrigation instead of antihistamine sprays. A Neti Pot or bulb syringe can be used to irrigate the nose. Salt water solutions should be made with bottled or boiled tap water to prevent introducing microbes from the water supply into the sinus passages.
Keep the body warm and rested. Warmth and rest allows the body to have the needed energy to fight the cold. Avoid getting a chill by using a blanket to keep warm when resting. Pushing to complete a task can cause one to be sick longer.
Choose hot liquids for drinks. They provide additional steam and hydration. The heat helps to soothe swollen throat and nose membranes. Drinks such as decaffeinated teas with honey and lemon as well as broth based soups are great choices.
Elevate the head at night. This helps to keep the sinus cavities empty of fluids and allows the individual to breathe. Add extra pillows to make it easier to sleep.
If the cold does not get better within a week, it is time to see a doctor. During the winter months, colds that continue can quickly turn into bronchitis or pneumonia. While these home based congestion relief remedies are good for colds, they cannot fight these more serious conditions.
