what is the best treatment for a chest cold

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Mar 10, 2022 · Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be taken to ease the fever and aches of a chest cold. Some people use herbal teas containing chamomile and echinacea when they have a chest cold. These herbs combined with steaming water may help to soothe a sore throat as well as boost immune system function and help with sleeping.

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Sep 23, 2021 · Here's an update on some common alternative remedies: Vitamin C. It appears that taking vitamin C won't usually help the average person prevent colds. However, some studies... Echinacea. Study results on whether echinacea prevents or shortens colds are mixed. Some studies show no benefit. Others... ...

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Apr 01, 2022 · Many home remedies are popular treatments for the common cold. These include vitamin C, zinc supplements, and echinacea. Although not proven to be helpful, most home remedies are safe for most people. Some remedies may cause side effects or allergic reactions. Certain remedies may change the way other medicines work.

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Essential oils: People use essential oils to help treat a range of illnesses, including sinus infections and chest colds. Limited research shows they may have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. So, if you breathe in the vapors of the oils, it may help drain your sinuses.

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Jan 02, 2014 · Doctors often recommend ibuprofen either alone or in combination with acetaminophen to relieve aches and reduce fever associated with the common cold. These results may change that advice, but...

What is the best medicine for a chest cold?

Mar 16, 2018 · Drinking apple cider vinegar may help clear up chest congestion and break down mucus, as well as strengthen the immune system. Once again, hydration and mucus loosening are accomplished by increasing your intake of fluids. Apple cider vinegar, as suggested by some, may even have some added benefits.

What are some home remedies for a chest cold?

Jan 07, 2020 · 11 Popular Natural Remedies for the Common Cold. 1) Zinc Lozenges. Zinc is an essential mineral that is required by more than 300 enzymes in our bodies. It’s found naturally in foods such as meat, ... 2) Vitamin D. 3) Astragalus. 4) Garlic. 5) Vitamin C.

What antibiotics are used to treat a chest cold?

What to take for a chest cold?

What is the best medicine for a chest cold?

Try an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to ease body aches and reduce fever. Use saline drops or nasal spray to alleviate congestion. Use lozenges to keep your throat moist. Use bronchodilators, which relax the muscles in your lungs and widen your bronchi to make breathing easier.Dec 2, 2020

How long does a cold last in your chest?

According to the study, people typically expect the cough from a chest cold to go away on its own within 5–7 days. However, this cough can last for 8 weeks, as it is the symptom that lingers the longest.May 18, 2020

What's the difference between a chest cold and Covid?

While both can cause coughing, coronavirus causes a dry cough and can often leave you breathless. The common chest cold will cause a yellow or green phlegmy cough. If you have a common chest cold, your symptoms are more likely to be mild and stay mild. The average cold will last 7 to 10 days.Aug 3, 2020

How do you get rid of Covid chest congestion?

Outside of medications, there are other home remedies you can try to clear up your chest congestion.Stay hydrated. ... Use a humidifier, face steamer, or vaporizer.Soothe your face with a warm, moist washcloth or breathe in with your face over a bowl of hot water.Try deep breathing and positional exercises.More items...•Jan 24, 2022

What is the fastest way to get rid of chest congestion?

Tips & Home remedies to help you feel better with chest congestion2:Drink plenty of water: Water may help loosen mucus.Use a humidifier or take a hot shower.Get bed rest with your head elevated.Drink hot tea with lemon and honey.Use a hot compress on your chest.Avoid unhealthy foods.Avoid or quit smoking.More items...

What is the best antibiotic for a chest infection?

Amoxycillin, or alternatively erythromycin, will usually be suitable. In any patient, of any age, with a lower respiratory infection, the presence of new focal chest signs should be treated as pneumonia and antibiotic therapy should not be delayed.

How do I get rid of mucus in my chest?

Humidify the air. Moisturizing the air around you can help keep mucus thin. ... Stay hydrated. Drinking enough liquids, especially warm ones, can help your mucus flow. ... Consume respiratory health-promoting ingredients. ... Gargle salt water. ... Use eucalyptus oil. ... Take over-the-counter remedies. ... Prescription medications.

What does congested chest feel like?

Chest congestion is the accumulation of mucus in the lungs and lower breathing tubes (bronchi). It is usually accompanied by a wet, productive cough that brings up thick mucus. Chest congestion may cause you to hear or feel wheezing or crackling sounds when you breathe in and out.

How can I clear mucus from my lungs?

Deep breathing is a simple technique to expand your lungs and help clear your phlegm. You can do this many times during the day in any place or position. Make sure you are comfortable and your chest and shoulders are relaxed. Sit or lie in a comfortable position.

Which Mucinex break up chest congestion?

Mucinex Dm (Dextromethorphan / Guaifenesin) Breaks up mucus that causes cough. Mucinex (Guaifenesin) is a useful medicine for loosening congestion in your chest and throat, and it lasts longer than other guaifenesin products.

What helps a chest infection?

Things you can do yourselfget plenty of rest.drink lots of water to loosen the mucus and make it easier to cough up.raise your head up while sleeping using extra pillows to make breathing easier and clear your chest of mucus.use painkillers to bring down a fever and ease headaches and muscle pain.More items...

What is chest cold?

It affects the bronchial tubes of the lungs, and often develops as a secondary infection following a head cold. Here’s what you need to know about chest colds, including symptoms and how to distinguish it from other respiratory conditions.

How do you know if you have a chest cold?

Common symptoms of a chest cold include: Other symptoms that can accompany a chest cold include fatigue, sore throat, headache, and body aches, possibly triggered by coughing. You’ll feel uncomfortable for a few days or a week, but chest colds typically get better on their own.

How to tell if you have a cold?

Common symptoms of a chest cold include: 1 chest congestion 2 persistent hacking cough 3 coughing up yellowish or green phlegm (mucus)

What are the symptoms of a cold?

Most people know how to recognize symptoms of a common cold, which usually includes a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and nasal congestion. A chest cold, also called acute bronchitis, is different.

How long does it take for a cough to go away?

Chest colds tend to follow a common cold or flu. But symptoms are often short-lived and improve in about a week, although a nagging cough can be irritating and keep you up at night.

How to avoid getting sick from respiratory disease?

So if you have a respiratory disease, take measures to avoid getting sick. Get an annual flu shot and pneumonia vaccination, avoid people who are sick, wash your hands, and don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Can you sleep with your head elevated?

Sleeping with your head elevated can also ease coughing. This, along with taking a cough suppressant, can make it easier to get rest. See a doctor for bronchitis that doesn’t improve. Your doctor can prescribe a prescription cough suppressant or an antibiotic if they suspect a bacterial infection.

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 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 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.

Does echinacea help with colds?

Study results on whether echinacea prevents or shortens colds are mixed. Some studies show no benefit. Others show some reduction in the severity and duration of cold symptoms when taken in the early stages of a cold. Different types of echinacea used in different studies may have contributed to the mixed results.

How long does echinacea stay good for?

Echinacea seems to be most effective if you take it when you notice cold symptoms and continue it for seven to 10 days. It appears to be safe for healthy adults, but it can interact with many drugs.

How to help a 6-month-old with pain?

Relieve pain. For children 6 months or younger, give only acetaminophen. For children older than 6 months, give either acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Ask your child's doctor for the correct dose for your child's age and weight.

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.

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.

How to tell if a child is sick?

Make a list of: 1 Your or your child's symptoms and when they began 2 Key personal information, including major stresses, other health conditions and exposure to people who've been ill 3 Medications, vitamins or supplements you or your child takes 4 Questions to ask your doctor

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 long does echinacea stay good for?

Echinacea seems to be most effective if you take it when you notice cold symptoms and continue it for seven to 10 days. It appears to be safe for healthy adults, but it can interact with many drugs.

Can antibiotics help with colds?

Antibiotics are of no use against cold viruses and shouldn't be used unless there's a bacterial infection. Relieving your symptoms can include using over-the-counter (OTC) medication to reduce fever, body aches, congestion and cough. Some remedies might help ease your symptoms and keep you from feeling so miserable.

How long does zinc syrup last?

Some studies show that zinc lozenges or syrup reduce the length of a cold by about one day, especially when taken within 24 to 48 hours of the first signs and symptoms of a cold. Zinc also has potentially harmful side effects. Intranasal zinc might cause permanent damage to the sense of smell.

What are some home remedies for the common cold?

Many home remedies are popular treatments for the common cold. These include vitamin C, zinc supplements, and echinacea. Although not proven to be helpful, most home remedies are safe for most people. Some remedies may cause side effects or allergic reactions. Certain remedies may change the way other medicines work.

How long does it take for a cold to get better?

Colds are very common. A visit to your health care provider's office is often not needed, and colds often get better in 3 to 4 days. A type of germ called a virus causes most colds. There are many types of viruses that can cause a cold. Depending on what virus you have, your symptoms may vary.

What are the symptoms of a cold?

Common symptoms of a cold include: Fever (100°F [37.7°C] or higher) and chills. Headache, sore muscles, and fatigue. Cough. Nasal symptoms, such as stuffiness, runny nose, yellow or green snot, and sneezing. Sore throat. Mild symptoms of COVID-19 may be similar to those of the common cold.

Can you give a child OTC cough medicine?

Over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medicines may help ease symptoms in adults and older children. They are not recommended for children under age 6. Talk to your provider before giving your child OTC cold medicine, which can have serious side effects. Coughing is your body's way of getting mucus out of your lungs.

Can you use cough syrup for sore throat?

So use cough syrups only when your cough becomes too painful. Throat lozenges or sprays for your sore throat. Many cough and cold medicines you buy have more than one medicine inside. Read the labels carefully to make sure you do not take too much of any one medicine.

Can you take OTC cold medicine?

If you take prescription medicines for another health problem, ask your provider which OTC cold medicines are safe for you. Drink plenty of fluids, get enough sleep, and stay away from secondhand smoke. Wheezing can be a common symptom of a cold if you have asthma. Use your rescue inhaler as prescribed if you are wheezing.

How to stop germs from spreading?

Wash your hands often. This is the best way to stop the spread of germs. To wash your hands correctly: Rub soap onto wet hands for 20 seconds. Make sure to get under your fingernails. Dry your hands with a clean paper towel and turn faucet off with paper towel. You can also use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

How to get mucus out of chest?

That makes it thicker and harder to get out of your body. So avoid drinks like alcohol, coffee, and other caffeinated drinks . Exercise: Walking quickly, biking, or jogging can help loosen the buildup in your chest. That will make it easier to cough up.

How to get rid of a deep cough?

Huff cough: If the deep cough doesn’t help, you may want to try a huff cough. Take a deep breath through your nose, then use your abs to breathe out of your mouth in three short huffs. This puts air behind the mucus to pull it away from the lung wall. It should be easier to cough up after a few repetitions.

Why does my nose feel clogged?

It happens when the tissues and blood vessels in and around your nose get swollen with fluid and mucus. That makes your nose feel clogged. The same thing happens in your chest when it fills with phlegm. Some mucus in your airways is a good thing. You need it to protect and moisturize your tissues.

What causes mucus buildup in the body?

Long-term conditions such as cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or asthma can also cause mucus buildup. Here is information you can use to help you deal ...

How to get rid of dry throat?

When humidifiers moisturize your nose and throat, your body won’t create as much mucus. Hydration: Drink plenty of water when you’re congested. It’ll help loosen the mucus.

Why do people use essential oils?

Essential oils: People use essential oils to help treat a range of illnesses, including sinus infections and chest colds. Limited research shows they may have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. So, if you breathe in the vapors of the oils, it may help drain your sinuses.

What is Vicks Vaporub?

Vicks VapoRub, perhaps the best known one, combines cough suppressants and pain relievers. The active ingredients are camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol. You rub it on your throat and chest to let the vapor reach your nose and mouth. Decongestants: These medications narrow your blood vessels. This helps open airways.

What is the best over the counter medicine for colds?

To treat coughs, Oostman said his best advice is to look for cough medicines with dextromethorphan (one brand is Robitussin) or guaifenesin (such as Mucinex ).

How to get rid of mucus in nose?

If you’re not well-hydrated, it’s harder to blow out the mucus. Oostman recommends using a nasal saline spray and gargling with warm saltwater to break up the mucus and keep things moving.

Does ibuprofen help with respiratory infections?

The results showed no benefit in using ibuprofen in combination with or instead of paracetamol in relieving cold ...

Can decongestants cause blood pressure to increase?

Decongestants contain pseudoephedrine, which constricts blood vessels and can increase blood pressure . Many people swear by home remedies like eating chicken soup, drinking hot tea, or eating ice cream to relieve a sore throat or cold, and Oostman said it’s fine to do what makes you feel better.

How to get rid of infection fast?

Getting a good night’s sleep helps your immune system fight off infection. “If you’re having a hard time sleeping, I always recommend adults use a product like NyQuil to help them recover faster and feel better during the day,” Oostman said. Take it easy. Don’t work out on days when you feel ill, Oostman advised.

Does ibuprofen help with sinus pain?

Doctors often recommend ibuprofen either alone or in combination with acetaminophen to relieve aches and reduce fever associated with the common cold.

What is the best medicine for chest congestion?

The sulfur and quercetin in onions may also aid in loosening the mucus causing chest congestion. The anti-microbial properties may help battle the infection that is promoting the congestion as well.

How to clear chest congestion?

To clear chest regions from congestion, fill a bowl with hot water and add a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil. Place your face over the bowl, cover your head with a towel (which also covers the bowl so that no steam escapes), and inhale. 2. Increase Fluid Intake. Drink Water.

Why do we drink water when we are sick?

Drink Water#N#Drinking fluids when you’re ill has a number of benefits, which mostly relate to hydration. Excess mucus and fever can put increased demands on your body and an increased fluid intake helps meet those demands. For congestion specifically, water can help thin the mucus in the chest and make coughing up phlegm easier.

What are the symptoms of chest congestion?

Signs of chest congestion can include coughing after eating, wheezing, chest pain and discomfort, shortness of breath, runny nose, and dizziness. Below are 11 easy chest congestion home remedies.

Why is dairy not good for you?

Dairy is not a good idea when you’re suffering with chest congestion, coughs, and stuffy noses because it causes mucus production. The last thing you need is more mucus, so avoid dairy until fully recovered.

What is the best tea for coughing?

Honey tea: Honey is nature’s best defense against coughs and chest congestion, particularly Manuka honey, a dark honey with a strong taste. Honey is a natural antibacterial that helps reduce infections in the respiratory tract. Lemon tea: Lemon has large amounts of the vitamin C your body needs to fight off infections.

How to get rid of mucus in lungs?

To make the drink, add a tablespoon of honey and the juice of half a lemon to hot water, stir, and drink. Ginger tea: Ginger is an anti-inflammatory herb, so it often helps to reduce chest congestion. Chicken Soup. Chicken noodle soup is hot, easy to chew, and has all the tools to help loosen the mucus in the lungs.

What is the best way to cure a cold?

Many cultures have a home remedy for the cold using garlic, whether it’s chicken soup with lots of garlic, a drink made with raw crushed garlic, or if it just involves eating raw garlic. The cold-fighting compound in garlic is thought to be allicin, which has demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal properties.

How long does zinc help with colds?

A number of studies have found that zinc helped to reduce the duration of cold symptoms, especially if people started taking it within 24 hours after cold symptoms appear. 1  Zinc also reduced the severity of symptoms and decreased the duration of symptoms by three to four days.

How long does it take for a cold to show up?

Symptoms of the common cold, which usually appear one to three days after being exposed to a cold virus include a runny nose, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, sneezing, watery eyes, mild headache, mild fatigue, body aches, and fever less than 102 degrees. Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin.

Does garlic help with colds?

People who took garlic reduced the risk of catching a cold by more than half. The study also found that garlic reduced the recovery time in people who caught a cold. More research is needed to corroborate these results. Garlic does have some possible side effects and safety concerns.

What did Linus Pauling propose?

In 1968, Linus Pauling, PhD, proposed the theory that people had individual requirements for various vitamins and some needed amounts higher than the recommended dietary allowances (RDAs). Pauling proposed that 1,000 mg of vitamin C daily could reduce the incidence of colds for most people. Since then, vitamin C has become a popular cold remedy.

Does garlic make you sweat?

Garlic does have some possible side effects and safety concerns. Bad breath and body odor are perhaps the most common side effects; however, dizziness, sweating, headache, fever, chills, and runny nose have also been reported. Large amounts may irritate the mouth or result in indigestion.

How does zinc work?

Zinc lozenges may work by blocking the cold virus from replicating (preventing it from spreading) or by impairing the ability of the cold virus to enter cells in the nose and throat. The zinc lozenges used in the studies contained a minimum of 13.3 mg of elemental zinc.

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Lifestyle and Home Remedies

• To make yourself as comfortable as possible when you have a cold, try some of these suggestions: 1. Drink plenty of fluids.Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water are good choices. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you. 2. Sip warm liquids.Chicken soup and other warm fluids, such as tea or warm apple juice, can be soothing and c...

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