what is the best treatment for a heead cold

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 over the counter medicine for cold?

What medicines should I take to treat a cold?

• Solaray Echinacea Vitamin C & Zinc 425mg Supplement, $14.29. ...
• Tylenol Extra Strength Acetaminophen Caplets, $9.47. ...
• Zyrtec 24-Hour Allergy Relief Tablets, $26.48. ...

More items...

What is the most effective treatment option for cold?

• Restrict meal volumes
• Increase meal frequency
• Small particle meals
• Avoid excess fat
• Avoid excess dietary fibre
• Supplementary nutrition (liquid formula)
• Support by specialised dietician

What's the best thing to ease a cold?

17 Magic Foods That Relieve Cold Symptoms

• Oysters. Lots of studies have been done to gauge the effect of zinc on cold symptoms, with varying results. ...
• Chicken soup. Mom was right: chicken soup really is one of the best cold remedies. ...
• Kiwi. ...
• Yogurt. ...
• Almonds and almond skins. ...
• Honey. ...
• Garlic. ...
• Chili Peppers. ...
• Oatmeal. ...
• Coconut Water. ...

More items...

What are the best cold remedies?

From A to Zinc: How to Get Rid of a Cold Fast

1. Vitamin C
2. Zinc
3. Echinacea
4. Black elderberry syrup
5. Beetroot juice
6. Probiotic drinks
7. Rest
8. Honey
9. Over-the-counter medicines
10. Lots of liquids

What is the best medicine for a head cold?

Best cold medicineBest cold medicineAfrin (oxymetazoline)DecongestantGet couponMucinex D (pseudoephedrine- guaifenesin)Decongestant – expectorantGet couponMucinex (guaifenesin)ExpectorantGet couponRobafen (guaifenesin)ExpectorantGet coupon12 more rows•May 11, 2021

How long does a head cold usually last?

The common cold is an infection of your nose and throat. It's easily passed to others, especially within homes, classrooms and workplaces. More than 200 different viruses can cause colds. There's no cure for a common cold, but it typically runs its course in a week to 10 days.

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 it is a cold or Covid?

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

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 do u know if u have a head cold?

Signs and symptoms, which can vary from person to person, might include:Runny or stuffy nose.Sore throat.Cough.Congestion.Slight body aches or a mild headache.Sneezing.Low-grade fever.Generally feeling unwell.

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?

Hot Showers Ease Cold and Flu Symptoms A hot shower won't make your cold or flu disappear, but it can help you treat the uncomfortable symptoms. Benefits of hot showers include: Loosening chest congestion by breathing in steam. Clearing stuffy nasal passages with moisture.

How long are you contagious with a cold?

The common cold is infectious from a few days before your symptoms appear until all of the symptoms are gone. Most people will be infectious for around 2 weeks. Symptoms are usually worse during the first 2 to 3 days, and this is when you're most likely to spread the virus.

How often is runny nose a symptom of COVID?

And nearly 60% of people who tested positive for COVID-19 with loss of smell also reported having a runny nose.

What medications can I take to relieve the symptoms of COVID-19?

Managing COVID-19 symptoms You can treat symptoms with over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), to help you feel better.

When do Covid symptoms start?

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19: Fever or chills.

Ibuprofen No Good at Cold Treatment

"I was a little surprised that ibuprofen didn’t help versus a placebo in reducing discomfort,” said Brian Oostman, DO, a family doctor with Dreyer...

Easy Advice For Treating Colds

Regardless of the latest study’s findings, Oostman said the best advice for treating your cold symptoms remains simple.Get plenty of rest. Getting...

Best Over-The-Counter Medications For Colds

To ease common cold symptoms, there are a few key active ingredients to look for in cold medications.To treat coughs, Oostman said his best advice...

How to get rid of a cold?

Use your own glasses, utensils, towels, and other personal items. Boost your immunity. You’ll be less likely to catch a cold if your immune system is working at peak capacity. Eat a well-rounded diet, get seven to nine hours of sleep nightly, exercise, and manage stress to stay healthy.

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

Usually colds clear up within a week to 10 days. Less often, a cold can develop into a more serious infection, like pneumonia or bronchitis. If your symptoms continue for more than 10 days, or if they are getting worse, see your doctor.

What is the difference between a head cold and a chest cold?

The difference in terms usually refers to the location of your symptoms. A “head cold” involves symptoms in your head, like a stuffed, runny nose and watery eyes. With a “chest cold,” you’ll have chest congestion and a cough. Viral bronchitis is sometimes called a “chest cold.”. Like colds, viruses also cause viral bronchitis.

How to get rid of rebound stuffiness?

Using decongestant sprays for longer than three days can lead to rebound stuffiness. Use a vaporizer or humidifier in your room while you sleep to ease congestion. Take a pain reliever. For mild aches, you can try an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever like acetaminophen ( Tylenol) or ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin ).

How to get rid of germs in your hands?

After you shake hands or touch common surfaces, wash your hands with warm water and soap. Or, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to kill germs. Keep your hands away from your face. Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, which are areas where germs can easily enter your body.

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

sore throat. cough. low-grade fever. general ill feeling. mild body aches or headache. Head cold symptoms usually appear one to three days after you’ve been exposed to the virus. Your symptoms should last for seven to 10 days.

What is the common cold?

The head cold , also known as the common cold, is usually a mild illness, but it can impact your daily life. In addition to sneezes, sniffles, coughs, and a sore throat, a head cold can leave you feeling tired, rundown, and generally unwell for several days.

How long does ginseng keep you from getting colds?

One Canadian study found that taking ginseng daily over the course of four months not only prevented some colds but also reduced the severity and duration of cold symptoms. A review of existing studies found some benefit for North American ginseng if taken for two to four months.

What is the best expectorant for coughing?

Expectorants such as Mucinex thin the nasty mucus draining down the back of your throat, which helps you cough it up and out. These products can help, but the best expectorant may be as near as your kitchen sink. "All you need to do is drink more water," say Dering-Anderson.

How to reduce congestion during pregnancy?

For instance, to reduce congestion, place a humidifier in your room, elevate your head during rest time, or try nasal strips. To soothe a sore throat, gargle with warm salt water, drink warm tea, or suck on ice chips. As far as OTC medications go, the APA advises keeping the number to a minimum during pregnancy.

What is the best vitamin for respiratory infections?

Vitamin D. As soon as one study proclaims that vitamin D lowers the risk of upper respiratory infections, another study turns up to refute the claim. What we do know is that vitamin D is essential for bone health and is found in fish, eggs, fortified food, and natural sunlight.

Does echinacea help with colds?

Studies on whether the herb echinacea reduces the duration of the common cold are a mixed bag. So much depends on the treatment's preparation—juice, root-and-herb, or tincture —which can vary widely. One study found that echinacea pills were about as effective as placebo bills in shortening the length of a cold.

Is Theraflu a cold medicine?

Theraflu is basically a dose of acetaminophen along with several other anti-cold ingredients and has a warning about the risk of liver damage if you take more than the recommended dose or mix with alcohol or other acetaminophen-containing products.

Does vitamin C help with colds?

Vitamin C in mega-doses comes brightly packaged as Emergen-C and Airborne, but there's no concrete evidence that large doses of C can reduce the duration or severity of colds or the flu. Vitamin C is water soluble, so anything over the recommended dietary allowance—which is 90 milligrams a day for men and 75 for women—will be eliminated from the body when you urinate. The better approach: Fill up on whole foods loaded with vitamin C, which are also loaded with other important nutrients to keep your body strong and healthy.

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 ...

Is steam inhalation effective?

Steam inhalation was also ineffective. In fact, the study showed that return visits to the doctor for new or unresolved symptoms were more common among those who took ibuprofen than those who took acetaminophen (20 percent vs. 12 percent).

Is ibuprofen good for colds?

Ibuprofen may be powerless when it comes to treating the common cold. A new British study found the popular pain reliever ineffective at treating symptoms like sore throat, cough, and sinus pain associated with respiratory tract infections, such as colds. Doctors often recommend ibuprofen either alone or in combination with acetaminophen ...

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 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 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 rid of a cold if you have asthma?

Wheezing can be a common symptom of a cold if you have asthma. Use your rescue inhaler as prescribed if you are wheezing. See your provider immediately if it becomes hard to breathe.

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.

What is the best medicine for a head cold?

Ginger is an effective remedy for a head cold because it contains antiviral, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The use of ginger treats a headache, cough, flu, a sore throat, and other symptoms.

What to use for a sore throat?

A sore throat gargling with a combination of salt, sage, and apple cider vinegar is recommended if you have a head cold. The salt is effective in getting rid of excess fluid from the throat tissues. Sage contains astringent and anti-bacterial properties that fasten the recovery. Furthermore, the use of apple cider vinegar gives you a significant relief from a sore throat.

Is chicken soup good for the flu?

Eating a bowl of chicken soup is recommended if you suffer from a cold or flu. Chicken soup is loaded with essential vitamins and nutrients that help strengthen the immune system. Antioxidant properties of chicken soup fasten the healing process. Ingredients:

Does herbal tea help with a cold?

Herbal tea is well known for its medical purposes. In the article, I would like to share with you the ideal herbal tea for a head cold. It prevents the virus’s effects on your body. It gives you a significant relief from inflammation, a headache, and nasal congestion.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

How to get rid of a cold and flu?

This battle taxes your body. So give it a little help by lying down under a blanket to stay warm if necessary. No. 6: Gargle With Warm Salt Water.

How to get rid of congested nasal passages?

Take a damp washcloth and heat it for 30 seconds in a microwave. Test the temperature first to make sure it's right for you. Do this at night when you sleep to help relieve congested nasal passages. If the angle is too awkward, place the pillows between the mattress and the box springs to create a more gradual slope.

How to get rid of congestion in nose?

Both can help break up the congestion in your nose. If you go the rinsing route, try this recipe: 1 Mix 3 teaspoons of iodide-free salt and 1 teaspoon baking soda. 2 Place in an airtight container. 3 Add 1 teaspoon of this mixture to 8 ounces of lukewarm boiled or distilled water.

How to make salt water for nose?

Place in an airtight container. Add 1 teaspoon of this mixture to 8 ounces of lukewarm boiled or distilled water. Next, fill a bulb syringe with this solution (or use a Neti pot .) Lean your head over a basin and gently squirt the salt water into your nose.

How to treat cold symptoms?

Here’s the key: Don’t wait until you feel the symptoms coming on: Take the recommended dose every day. Taking vitamin C when a cold starts may not have much effect on how you feel or how long the cold hangs on. 2. Zinc.

How to get rid of a cold?

Lots of liquids. Drinking plenty of fluids is always good when you’re trying to get rid of a cold. Hot tea, water, chicken soup, and other liquids will keep you hydrated, especially if you have a fever. They can also loosen congestion in your chest and nasal passages so you can breathe.

What is the best medicine for colds?

Black elderberry syrup. Black elderberry is a traditional remedy used to fight colds in many parts of the world. Although research is limited, at least one older study. showed elderberry syrup shortened the length of colds in people with flu-like symptoms by an average of four days.

What is the best drink to reduce the duration of a cold?

Probiotic drinks. Although studies on probiotics and colds are limited, at least one study. Trusted Source. suggests that drinking a probiotic drink that contains Lactobacillus, L. casei 431, can reduce the duration of a cold, especially in regard to respiratory symptoms.

How to make a cold last longer?

Here’s a list of remedies known to make a difference in how long colds last: 1. Vitamin C. Taking a vitamin C supplement isn’t likely to prevent a cold. However, studies show that it may reduce the duration of colds.

How to help a child with a cold?

If your child is having trouble getting good sleep to beat a cold, try honey, one of the most relied-on remedies for treating cold symptoms. A 2012 study. Trusted Source. showed that a spoonful of honey at bedtime can help kids sleep better and reduce nighttime coughing. It can also help soothe a sore throat.

Can you cure a cold?

There’s no cure yet for the common cold, but you may be able to shorten the amount of time you’re sick by trying some promising supplements and practicing good self-care. Stroll the aisles of any drugstore and you’ll see an impressive range of products claiming to shorten the length of your cold. Few of them are backed by solid science.