Healthline.com
1. Chicken soup...effective for reducing the symptoms of upper respiratory infections in particular...
2. Ginger...may help soothe a cough or sore throat...
3. Honey...has a variety of antibacterial and antimicrobial properties...
4. Garlic...
5. Echinacea...
6. Vitamin C...
7. Probiotics...
8. Salt water...
Learn More...Mayoclinic.org
1. Stay hydrated...water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration...
2. Rest...your body needs to heal...
3. Soothe a sore throat...
4. Combat stuffiness...
5. Relieve pain...
6. Sip warm liquids...
7. Add moisture to the air...
Learn More...Medicalnewstoday.com
1. Zinc...prevents rhinovirus...
2. Honey...allow it to fight some bacteria and viruses...
3. Echinacea...help prevent colds and relieve nasal symptoms...
4. Garlic...it has antibacterial and antiviral properties...
5. Menthol...
6. Vitamin D...
7. Oregano oil...
8. Reducing stress and sleeping well...
Learn More...What is the best treatment for a head cold?
Treatment
- Pain relievers. For a fever, sore throat and headache, adults often turn to OTC acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or other mild pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others).
- Decongestant nasal sprays. Adults can use decongestant drops or sprays for up to five days. ...
- Cough syrups. ...
What are some ways to treat the symptoms of a head cold?
Some common home remedies for a head cold include:
- Rest: Resting helps the body heal. ...
- Hydration: Staying hydrated helps loosen congestion in the nose and sinuses while soothing the throat. ...
- Saltwater gargle: To soothe a sore throat, a person can mix a 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water and use as a gargle.
What is the best head cold medicine?
- oxymetazoline
- phenylephrine
- pseudoephedrine
How to cure a head cold?
To make yourself as comfortable as possible when you have a cold, try some of these suggestions:
- Drink plenty of fluids. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water are good choices. ...
- Sip warm liquids. Chicken soup and other warm fluids, such as tea or warm apple juice, can be soothing and can loosen congestion. ...
- Rest. ...
- Adjust your room's temperature and humidity. ...
- Soothe a sore throat. ...
- Try saline nasal drops or sprays. ...
What is the fastest way to get rid of a head cold?
Cold remedies that workStay hydrated. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. ... Rest. Your body needs rest to heal.Soothe a sore throat. ... Combat stuffiness. ... Relieve pain. ... Sip warm liquids. ... Try honey. ... Add moisture to the air.More items...
What is best for a head cold?
Drink plenty of water, juice, warm broth, or warm lemon water with honey. Chicken soup and tea are other throat-soothing options. The warm water helps ease congestion and prevent dehydration. Your body needs plenty of rest to recover from a head cold.
What's the difference between a cold and a head cold?
Q: What's the difference between a head cold and a chest cold? A: A chest cold is a respiratory infection that affects the lungs, while a head cold is an infection of the nose and throat. Chest colds are more serious than head colds and can often lead to pneumonia if not treated properly.
How do you get rid of a head cold in 24 hours?
While the duration of your symptoms may vary, many people wonder how to cure a cold in 24 hours or even overnight. The best way to tame a cold fast is to stay home, rest, drink plenty of fluids, gargle with salt water, take an OTC medication, and humidify the air.
How do you know if you have Covid 19 or a cold?
Both COVID-19 and the common cold are caused by viruses....Symptom check: Is it COVID-19 or a cold?Symptom or signCOVID-19ColdTirednessUsuallySometimesSneezingRarelySometimesSore throatUsuallyUsuallyRunny or stuffy noseUsuallyUsually6 more rows
How long does a head cold last?
And sometimes that happens. But more often, those pesky symptoms stick around and leave you feeling sneezy and sniffly. Colds usually last 3 to 7 days, but sometimes they hang on as long as 2 weeks. If you're under the weather for longer than that, one of these things could be to blame.
What are the stages of a head cold?
The stages of a cold include the incubation period, appearance of symptoms, remission, and recovery. The common cold is a mild upper respiratory infection caused by viruses.
What causes a head cold?
A cold is caused by a virus that causes inflammation of the membranes that line the nose and throat. The common cold is very easily spread to others. It's often spread through airborne droplets that are coughed or sneezed into the air by the sick person.
Does vitamin C help with colds?
Vitamin C has been studied for many years as a possible treatment for colds, or as a way to help prevent colds. But findings have been inconsistent. Overall, experts have found little to no benefit from vitamin C for preventing or treating the common cold.
Do hot showers help with colds?
Standing in a hot shower with the steam surrounding you has long been used as a natural remedy to reduce cold and cough symptoms. The heat from the water and the steam can help to: open airways. loosen up phlegm.
What foods help cure a cold?
Certain foods may help you feel better, recover more quickly, or stay hydrated as you recover....Here are 15 of the best foods to eat when you're sick.Chicken soup. Chicken soup has been a go-to for sickness for generations — and for good reason. ... Broths. ... Garlic. ... Coconut water. ... Hot tea. ... Honey. ... Ginger. ... Spicy foods.More items...
How do you get rid of head congestion from Covid?
While you're isolating with COVID-19 symptoms, there are things you can do at home to help yourself feel better:Stay home and get extra rest. ... Drink plenty of fluids to replace those you lost from a fever. ... To help clear a stuffy nose, breathe moist air from a hot shower or a sink filled with hot water.More items...
How do you decongest your head?
Home TreatmentsUse a humidifier or vaporizer.Take long showers or breathe in steam from a pot of warm (but not too hot) water.Drink lots of fluids. ... Use a nasal saline spray. ... Try a Neti pot, nasal irrigator, or bulb syringe. ... Use a micro-current wave device. ... Place a warm, wet towel on your face. ... Prop yourself up.More items...•
What are the stages of a head cold?
The stages of a cold include the incubation period, appearance of symptoms, remission, and recovery. The common cold is a mild upper respiratory infection caused by viruses.
How much sleep do you need to recover from a head cold?
Your body needs plenty of rest to recover from a head cold. Make sure you get at least eight hours of sleep if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of a head cold.
What is the best medicine for a cold?
Medication. Taking an acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) will help reduce your fever and relieve muscle aches. Many medical professionals suggest that you don’t use aspirin to relieve head cold symptoms. Over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medicines will help reduce cough and congestion.
How to help a child with a sore throat?
Run a warm bath or have them lie on a heating pad. Put a dab of petroleum jelly under the nose to soothe raw skin. Run a humidifier in their room to increase moisture. For children over 6, hard candy or cough drops relieve sore throat. Make sure your child gets plenty of rest and fluids.
What is the common cold in children?
Remedies for Children. A head cold, also known as the common cold or head congestion, is a viral nose and throat infection. It’s often a mild sickness that can be treated at home. The most common symptoms of a head cold include: ●A fever of 100 degrees F or higher. ●Chills (feeling cold without a cause)
What to do if your child has a cold?
Once you’ve identified the cause, you can start treating them for a head cold. Make sure your child gets plenty of rest and fluids. Chicken soup is a comforting way to give your child fluids.
Why is it so hard to see a child with a head cold?
Head cold symptoms can last long in children, and it may be difficult to see their symptoms because they may not be able to describe what they’re feeling.
Can a head cold be treated with antibiotics?
Remedies and Treatments for a Head Cold. These remedies won’t make your cold go away, but they will ease your symptoms. Because it’s a virus, a head cold can’t be treated by antibiotics. Here are some remedies that you can use to relieve your head cold symptoms:
What is the best treatment for a head cold?
Instead, treatment aims to manage the symptoms and reduce discomfort. Some common home remedies for a head cold include: Rest: Resting helps the body heal .
What is a head cold?
A head cold or common cold is a viral infection of the nose and throat. It is usually a mild illness, but its symptoms can have a significant impact on everyday activities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Trusted Source. , the average adult experiences two to three colds every year, and children may experience more.
How long can you use decongestant nasal spray?
Adults may use decongestant nasal sprays for 3 to 5 days. However, people should avoid prolonged use of decongestant sprays. A range of nasal sprays are available for purchase online. Supplements: Many people take supplements to prevent or treat a head cold.
How to prevent cold germs?
To prevent exposure to cold germs, try not to share cups or utensils with others. Use disinfectant when family members are sick. Kitchen countertops and bathroom fittings should be cleaned with disinfectant when a family member is sick. Also, it is important to clean children’s toys regularly.
How long does it take for a head cold to show?
Symptoms of a head cold begin to appear within 3 days of exposure to rhinovirus or another cold-causing virus. These signs and symptoms vary between individuals and include: Share on Pinterest. Symptoms of a head cold may include a runny nose, sneezing, and a sore throat. malaise, or a general feeling of being unwell.
What causes a green discharge in the nose?
Ear infection (otitis media): If the virus gets into the area behind the eardrum, it can lead to earaches and a green or yellow discharge from the nose. Other infections: Some people, especially children and individuals with weakened immune systems, can develop secondary infections following a head cold.
How to soothe a sore throat?
Saltwater gargle: To soothe a sore throat, a person can mix a 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water and use as a gargle.
What Is a Head Cold?
Head colds are airborne viral infections of the upper respiratory tract, affecting the sinuses, ears, and throat. Highly contagious, they arise due to infection by any of over 200 different types of viruses and are the most common reason for hospital visits in the U.S.
Symptoms
Since head colds affect the respiratory system, the symptoms are primarily felt there. Likely familiar to you, the most common of these are: 1
Causes of a Cold
Over 200 kinds of viruses can cause colds; however, rhinovirus infection represents about 10 to 40% of cases. Other more commonly seen viruses that cause symptoms are certain coronaviruses (a family of viruses that includes COVID-19) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) .
Complications
While most colds resolve on their own—usually within two to 10 days—some experience complications. As your body fights off this virus, your immune system can take a hit, paving the way for bacterial infection. This can cause:
Treating a Head Cold
While there’s no outright cure for colds, treatment approaches focus on managing symptoms as your body’s natural immunity fights off the infection. A number of medications for this illness, available over the counter and prescribed, help ease the burden of this condition: 3
Prevention
The most effective way to avoid cold symptoms, of course, is ensuring that you never catch this illness in the first place. Not only that, but by avoiding infection, you’ll reduce the chances of spreading this virus to those around you. The following preventative steps are frequently recommended: 1
When to See a Healthcare Provider
While most head colds resolve on their own with rest and symptom management, there are times when medical help is needed. Call your doctor if you or your child experiences: 2
What causes a head cold?
Head colds are viral illnesses and are caused by several different viruses, Sterling Ransone, MD, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, tells Health. The most common types of viruses that cause head colds are adenoviruses, rhinoviruses, and coronaviruses, Dr. Ransone says.
What are the symptoms of a head cold?
Here's where the name "head cold" really comes into play—it's because they largely affect how your head and neck feels.The symptoms of a head cold usually show up two to three days after you're infected, per MedlinePlus, which lists symptoms of the common cold as the following:
How long does a head cold last?
The symptoms of a head cold are usually at their worst during the first two to three days, before they gradually start to improve. In adults and older children, the symptoms usually last about seven to 10 days, but can go on longer. The symptoms can have a huge impact on your daily life.
How to get rid of a cold?
Don’t share your glasses, utensils, towels and other personal items with other people. Eat a well-balanced diet, get seven to nine hours of sleep nightly, exercise and manage stress to boost your immunity. It’s important to blow your nose regularly when you have a cold.
How to get rid of congestion in nasal passages?
Humidifier. A humidifier helps add moisture to the air, which may ease nasal congestion. Once the congestion is gone, your headache will automatically get better. On the other hand, breathing dry air can irritate the inflamed nasal passages even more and cause a more severe headache.
How to reduce nasal pressure?
Saline Nasal Irrigation. Using a saline solution for nasal irrigation is another effective way to reduce nasal pressure, which in turn will lessen the headache as well as other symptoms of a head cold. A saline solution will thin the mucus to help flush it out of the nasal passages.
How to make a sourdough tea?
Drink this tea 2 or 3 times a day. Alternatively, add 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon powder and black pepper powder to a glass of warm water. Strain the solution and gargle with it twice daily. Another option is to mix a few drops of cinnamon oil and 1 teaspoon of raw honey. Eat this 2 times a day.
What does it mean when you have a headache and a cold?
July 4, 2019. 4. A head cold is nothing but a common cold in which the symptoms are more focused around the head and in the sinuses. In the case of a head cold, along with other common cold or flu symptoms like a runny and stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, chills and fever, you will also have a headache. The reason you get a headache ...
How to get rid of a swollen nose?
Fill one bowl with hot water and another bowl with cold water. Put a washcloth in the hot water and wring out the excess water. Place the washcloth on the area where you feel pain as well as on your nose for about 3 minutes.
What is the best way to treat a head cold?
Neti Pot. Even though #10 on our list of head cold remedies is more of a product than a remedy itself, the Neti pot is an indispensable item for those who love natural solutions for health problems. You can use a Neti pot for a reliable salt water rinse that you can prepare in a matter of minutes.
How to cure a head cold?
To master this home remedy, prepare two teaspoons of goldenseal and one cup of water. Boil the water and add the two teaspoons of goldenseal to make a tea, allowing it to steep for about fifteen minutes. You can add a bit of lemon or honey for some flavor, just make sure that you consume this goldenseal tea two to three times a day.
What is the best natural remedy for a head cold?
Sweet as Honey. If you are into delicious natural remedies for head cold, you have to check out honey. You will be truly surprised to see how many health benefits this sweet serum has, such as antioxidants, antibacterial and antiviral properties.
How to get rid of a virus at home?
This home remedy is one that most of us would give anything to practice more frequently. Plenty of rest and relaxation are the true keys to recovery. Your body needs to be well-rested so it can do its magic and fight off the virus, just be careful to rest in a warm environment, as far away from cold as possible. Stock up on those blankets and pillows!
How to get rid of sinus congestion?
Countless sources suggest that one of the best ways of soothing your sinuses is to prepare some hot packs at home. Take a clean cloth and wet it in some water until it becomes damp . Take the cloth and place it on a clean surface in your microwave for around half a minute so it can warm up. Gently place the homemade hot pack on your sinuses, testing it on your skin before fully placing it down. This remedy is known to offer great relief for individuals with sinus problems.
How to get rid of a cold head?
1. Breathe in Steam. One of the simplest and most effective home remedies for head cold is good, old fashioned steam. Breathing in steam will work amazingly for head colds, all in a natural and soothing manner. This will help you clear your nasal canals and get rid of the stuffy feeling that a head cold causes.
What is the best food for a cold head?
Vitamin C: papaya, bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, strawberries, pineapple, oranges, kiwi, cantaloupe or cauliflower. 8. Chicken Soup for the Soul. It’s no wonder why chicken soup has become the most well-known out of all head cold remedies.
What are some ways to get rid of a cold?
The list of ineffective cold remedies is long. Some of the more common ones that don't work include: 1 Antibiotics. These attack bacteria, but they're no help against cold viruses. Avoid asking your doctor for antibiotics for a cold or using old antibiotics you have on hand. You won't get well any faster, and inappropriate use of antibiotics contributes to the serious and growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 2 Over-the-counter cold and cough medications in young children. OTC cold and cough medications may cause serious and even life-threatening side effects in children. Talk with your child's doctor before giving any medications.
How to make yourself miserable with colds?
It's tempting to try the latest remedy, but the best thing you can do is take care of yourself. Rest, drink fluids and keep the air around you moist. Remember to wash your hands frequently.
How to heal a sore throat from a swollen throat?
Rest. Your body needs rest to heal. Soothe a sore throat. A saltwater gargle — 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water — can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat.
How long do you stay sick after catching a cold?
If you catch a cold, you can expect to be sick for one to two weeks. That doesn't mean you have to be miserable. These remedies might help you feel better:
How to get rid of coughing in older adults?
Honey may help coughs in adults and children who are older than age 1. Try it in hot tea. Add moisture to the air. A cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier can add moisture to your home, which might help loosen congestion. Change the water daily, and clean the unit according to the manufacturer's instructions.
How to put saline in a baby's nostril?
In infants, experts recommend putting several saline drops into one nostril, then gently suctioning that nostril with a bulb syringe. To do this, squeeze the bulb, gently place the syringe tip in the nostril about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (about 6 to 12 millimeters), and slowly release the bulb.
How to help a coughing child?
Sip warm liquids. A cold remedy used in many cultures, taking in warm liquids, such as chicken soup, tea or warm apple juice, might be soothing and might ease congestion by increasing mucus flow. Try honey. Honey may help coughs in adults and children who are older than age 1. Try it in hot tea.
What are some ways to get rid of a cold?
But there are pros and cons to commonly used cold remedies, such as over-the-counter pain relievers, decongestants, nasal sprays and cough syrups. Don't give OTC cold medications to children.
How to get rid of a cold after taking meds?
This will give you a chance to rest and heal, as well as reduce the chances that you'll spread your cold to others. Adjust your room's temperature and humidity.
How long does it take for a cold to go away?
There's no cure for the common cold. Most cases of the common cold get better without treatment, usually within a week to 10 days. But a cough may linger for a few more days. The best thing you can do is take care of yourself while your body heals. For example, drink plenty of liquids, humidify the air, use saline nasal rinses and get adequate rest.
How to make yourself comfortable when you have a cold?
To make yourself as comfortable as possible when you have a cold, try some of these suggestions: Drink plenty of fluids. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water are good choices. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you. Sip warm liquids.
What to do if your child has a cold?
If you or your child has a cold and symptoms persist or worsen or are severe, make an appointment with your primary care provider or your child's pediatrician. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.
Can you use over the counter medicine for a cold?
Don't use over-the-counter medicines, except for fever reducers and pain relievers, to treat coughs and colds in children younger than 6 years old. Cough and cold medications have potentially serious side effects, including fatal overdoses in children younger than 2 years old.
Can you take two cough and cold medicines at the same time?
If you use over-the counter cough and cold medicines, follow the label directions. Don't take two medicines with the same active ingredient, such as an antihistamine, decongestant or pain reliever. Too much of a single ingredient could lead to an accidental overdose. Don't use over-the-counter medicines, except for fever reducers ...
