Cooler temperatures have taken over, along with seasonal colds, coughs, and flu. If you have stayed up all night during winter, thanks to a stuffy/runny nose, headaches, and persistent coughing, you will know how uncomfortable and irritating colds are.
A common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat). It is usually harmless and heals on its own. However, it can cause a lot of discomforts and interfere with our day-to-day activities. While the common cold cannot be cured, there are certain remedies and medications that will help relieve the symptoms and ease discomfort, for a speedy recovery. Most people recover from a common cold within a week to 10 days. However, if the symptoms last longer than that, it is important to seek medical attention.
Symptoms of Common Cold:
The signs and symptoms of a cold can vary from person to person with the most common ones being:
• Runny or blocked nose
• Sore throat
• Congestion
• Wet or dry cough
• Body ache
• Mild headache or pressure in the head
• Sneezing
• Fatigue
• Mild fever, in some cases
You can quickly recover from a cold if you focus on treating and relieving the symptoms.
Treating Cold and Cough:
As mentioned earlier, there is no cure for the common cold. In most cases, people suffering from cold get better on their own, without any treatment. However, there are remedies and medicines that can target the symptoms and provide relief. Some symptoms such as cough might linger even after the cold is gone. You can get relief from the common cold through home remedies, as well as medications.
Cough Syrups: Cough syrups are mainly classified into two types – expectorants and suppressants, depending on the type of cough. Suppressants work by blocking the cough reflex and are best suited for dry coughs. Expectorants are used in case of productive cough, to thin the mucus for easy drainage. While a cough and cold syrup may provide temporary relief, they may also contain ingredients that cause other side effects. You can use cough syrups such as Setril syrup for dry cough or wet cough, depending on your symptoms, for instant relief.
However, if you aren’t sure of what medication would work best for you, it is better a consult your doctor for advice.