How to Treat Coughs and Colds Before They Get Worse

Are coughs and colds ruining your day? Addressing these as soon as you experience the common symptoms is vital if you want to feel better and return to your normal routine quickly.

Here’s how you can treat annoying coughs and colds and get back to your cheerful, healthy condition.

1. Act fast and take the right medication

If you fail to treat your coughs and colds before they get worse, chances are, you will need to endure them for five to seven days before the symptoms begin to improve. Getting an early jump on a treatment can help you manage the condition more easily until you get completely well.

Start with a long-acting cough and cold medicine that will give you 24-hour treatment in just one capsule, so you can get a good night’s sleep.

2. Drink as much water as you can

It’s not a good experience walking around with a head full of phlegm and mucus, constantly blowing your nose. In this case, fluids will be your friend. Drink lots of water to thin out your mucus and unclog your nose so you can easily blow or cough it out.

When you sleep, keep a glass of water close by to keep yourself hydrated. If you feel that you’re feverish, drink more water as you easily lose fluids through sweating.

3. Gargle with salt water

If a sore throat is also bothering you, gargling with a salt and water solution will give you relief. Take a glass of warm water and add half a teaspoon of salt. The salt actually helps reduce inflammation and clears out irritants and mucus from the back of your throat.

Furthermore, the gargling also flushes out viruses and bacteria. This greatly helps when you have a cold or when you want to prevent one.

4. Keep your nose unclogged

When you’re having a hard time breathing due to the buildup of mucus and constant coughing, it’s important to keep your nose clean.

Right after the first cold symptoms appear, use a saline nasal spray to reduce their impact. Taking a hot shower is also a good idea as warm moisture can aid in clearing out nasal passages.

5. Wrap yourself in a warm blanket

Before you rest or go to sleep, wrapping yourself in a warm blanket will make you comfortable. Make sure you have enough blankets to cover your chest and feet to avoid feeling cold and starting up a fresh round of coughing.

6. Follow a healthy diet

A healthy diet is the key to a stronger immune system. When you’re suffering from a cough, make sure to make the following a part of your diet:

● Proteins: Lean meat, fish, or beans

● Whole Grains: Brown rice, wheat bread, oats

● Antioxidants: Green leafy vegetables, fruits

7. Rest well and reduce stress

Are you a workaholic? This may be the time to take it slow and allow your body to rest a bit. When you feel overworked, sad, tired or angry, your mind and body can take a beating.

When your body doesn’t have enough energy, it slows down your immune system just when you need it to fight off the cold virus. Understand and listen to your body when you feel like you’re getting a cough or cold. Get all the sleep you need and avoid stressing yourself out.

Stress makes you vulnerable to coughs and colds as it can cause the following:

● A decrease in the number of cells that act as a front line of defense.

● An increase in the level of cortisol in your body, the hormone that zaps your immune system. This then makes you a primary target of a cold virus.

To boost your immune system, do something that will relax your mind and body such as meditation or listening to music. Most importantly, get at least eight hours of sleep to allow your body to recharge. After all, your body can fight off the cold virus better when you’re well-rested.

Sleep in an inclined position

When you experience bedtime coughs, gravity is your number one enemy. All of the mucus and postnasal drainage you end up swallowing throughout the day gets back up and irritates your throat when you lie down to sleep. Prop yourself up using pillows while you rest so you can breathe easier.

It’s understandable that you want to get rid of a lingering cough and cold as quickly as you can. Consider the tips above to put an end to your colds and coughing fit and prevent them from getting worse. If your condition lasts longer than seven days, make sure to check in with your doctor as you may have something more serious than common coughs and colds.