Suffering from a common cold can get you down and prevent you from being productive at home and work. But there are some simple steps you can take at home to soothe your cold symptoms and get you to feeling better quicker. Follow these home remedies to alleviate cold symptoms so you can avoid having to visit an urgent medical center in Suffolk County, NY.
Drink Lots of Water
While it's always a good idea to stay hydrated, it's especially important if you feel a cold coming on. Your body needs water to fight back against a cold, so drink water and avoid beverages such as coffee, alcohol, and caffeinated sodas, which can make you dehydrated. If your throat hurts, try warm water with lemon and honey. This not only keeps you hydrated but will also loosen congestion.
Sleep
Getting plenty of rest strengthens your immune system, and you're going to need it for the days ahead. Try to get eight hours of sleep at night and take a nap in the afternoon if you need to. Take some time off work to rest up before your cold symptoms get worse. Don't wait too long to take a day off. Let your body rest as soon as you start to feel symptoms. This will help you recover quicker.
Gargle Some Saltwater
There's a reason that moms have favored gargling salt water for generations. It can provide much-needed relief to sore, scratchy throats. Mix approximately 1/4 to 1/2 a teaspoon of salt with an 8-ounce glass of water and gargle it for a few minutes a couple of times a day. Also, keep lozenges on hand by the bedside in case you need relief in the middle of the night.
Easing Congestion
The common cold can impair your ability to breathe easily, making it hard to sleep or relax. But there are several things you can do on your own to ease congestion. Drinking warm liquids can help clear out nasal passages while soothing a sore throat. Chicken soup will
usually do the trick, but so does sipping hot herbal tea.
Another means of loosening congestion is by adding moisture to your home via a humidifier or vaporizer. But avoid inhaling the steam. A steamy shower helps clear your congestion as well.
Some people find over-the-counter saline nasal drops to be helpful as well. Also, there are several cold medicines that have proven to be effective. Talk to your doctor about which medications to take to avoid overdosing or mixing medicines that shouldn't be taken together.
If your symptoms aren't improving or you're worried you might have something worse than a cold, visit Peconic Bay Medical Center. As one of the leading medical centers in Suffolk County, NY, we're committed to serving our community with quality, compassionate care. Start feeling better and make an appointment today.