Hoping a glass of OJ will stave off your cold? While research doesn't seem to point to any preventative effects, there is some evidence vitamin C can shorten the duration of a cold -- but only slightly.
Soak away those aches and pains in the tub. Epsom bath salts can help to relieve achy muscles while a bath gel with eucalyptus oil can help you to breathe easier. Post-soak, cozy up in a big, fluffy bathrobe
Can't stop coughing? Try a cough drop that contains menthol -- doctors say it can calm cough receptors in the throat.
Hot drinks like tea soothe the threat, relieve nasal congestion and prevent dehydration. Add some honey -- it's a natural expectorant.
Don't sniffle -- blow your nose! Just be careful not to blow too hard or you can push germ-carrying phlegm back into your ears, causing an earache.
Sleep with an extra pillow under your head to ease nasal congestion.
Don't bother trying to treat your cold with antibiotics -- they kill bacteria, but not cold-causing viruses. You can, however, take medications such as pain relievers or decongestants, to make symptoms more bearable. Talk to a doctor before giving a child cold medications and never treat children with an adult formulation.
See a doctor if you develop problems breathing, have a fever that isn't going away, find it painful to swallow or can't stop coughing. These are al signs of an infection or more serious problem.
No comments:
Post a Comment