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Get rid of your common cold and cough in a jiffy with these tips

If you have a scratchy and painful throat or you are constantly coughing, here are some tips to treat cough and its symptoms ASAP!
sneezing fit
Figure out the reason for your sneezing fits. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Published by Gurpreet Kaur
Published On: 21 Jun 2022, 05:45 pm IST
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The weather is constantly changing and we all have got a little respite from the heatwave that engulfed the country. But now as we enter the monsoon season, there are high chances that of feeling under the weather with a stuffy and runny nose or a throat that feels scratchy and painful! The first instinct on feeling cold and cough symptoms is to want to get rid of them, isn’t it? Come, let’s help you with it.

While there are home remedies, let us tell you that there is no direct cure for a common cold. But, don’t be disheartened as you can certainly relieve its symptoms like cough, sore throat, and congestion by following these methods:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

When the airways in your lungs are inflamed by a cold, they produce more mucus, which then becomes thick and makes it difficult for you to cough up. So have lots of fluids to prevent drying and thickening of the mucus.

dehydration
Fluids can be consumed in the form of soups. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

2. Get enough sleep

If you are sleep deprived, it can weaken your immune system, which makes it harder for your body to fight off infections. Get between seven to nine hours of sleep each night if you are suffering from a common cold and cough.

yoga for sleep
Get a good night’s sleep! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

3. Use saline drops

The congestion in your chest once you have a cold and cough is because of the thick or dried out mucus in the sinus and nasal passages. This condition then gives you that stuffed up feeling. Hence, use a saline solution for your nasal passages as it can help thin out and moisten mucus.

how to avoid mucus
There are natural ways to deal with mucus. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

4. Gargle salt water

In case of a swollen or sore throat, gargling salt water is known to be effective in order to relieve the pain by lowering down the pressure in the lining and reducing the feeling of soreness.

post-meals
Gargle with salt water to get rid of cough! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Also, read: World TB Day: How to differentiate between common cough and tuberculosis?

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5. Take pain relievers

If you’re very congested or have a headache due to the cold, try taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen to ease the pain. However, if the symptoms are worse and you get a fever, it’s best to see a doctor then.

pain relievers
Pain relievers might help! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

6. Take a spoonful of honey

When you have a cold, your oesophagus may become irritated, which can then cause a reflex that stimulates the muscles in your airway that makes you cough. Having a spoonful of honey or drinking warm lemon water mixed with honey calms your urge to cough.

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Honey is a great natural cure! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

7. Sip warm liquids

Consume warm liquids like broth or tea as it can help relieve symptoms like sore throat and make your nose feel less stuffy. Try having a non-caffeinated option like a decaf or herbal tea.

green tea benefits
Green tea is more than just a beneficial health drink. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

8. Take vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that is vital to boost your immune system as it also increases the production of certain immune cells. Taking Vitamin C during common cold and cough can actually get rid of the symptoms that make you uneasy.

vitamin c
Vitamin C is the health cocoon your body needs. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

So, don’t worry, and get on these tips to treat yourself quickly. 

About The Author
Gurpreet Kaur
Gurpreet Kaur

A lifestyle journalist with a perennial hunger for all nice things in life - from fashion to food and different cultures. When she is not writing in her favourite coffee spot, she spends her time socializing with people or exploring different cities.

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