Relief From Cold Symptoms

Viral infections cause the common cold, which antibiotics cannot treat. Once the infection runs its course, you will typically feel better, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), colds can last up to two weeks. Over-the-counter medications and at-home remedies can help lessen the severity of cold symptoms so that you can feel better faster.

Fluids

• One of the most important things you can do to help ease cold symptoms is to drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Juices and clear broth are also good choices. Consuming plenty of liquid helps avoid dehydration, which can make your symptoms worse. Try warm lemon water with honey to help loosen chest congestion. Alcohol, coffee and soda can dehydrate you quickly, so it is best to avoid them when you have a cold.

  Gargle with salt water to help soothe a sore throat. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of warm water and gargle for several seconds.

Chicken Soup

• Chicken soup has been used as a cold remedy for ages. According to the Mayo Clinic, chicken soup actually does have effects that can help relieve symptoms of the common cold. Chicken soup works as an anti-inflammatory by slowing the movement of immune system cells that trigger the body's inflammatory response to infection. Chicken soup also helps relieve nasal and sinus congestion by speeding up the movement of mucus through the nasal passages.

Humidity

• A humidifier can help relieve congestion and sore, scratchy throats by moistening the air. The viruses that cause colds do best in dry environments, so a humidifier can also limit the spread of the virus.

  Make sure to change the water in a humidifier daily to prevent the formation of fungi and bacteria that could be released into the air. Clean the entire humidifier with warm water and antibacterial soap at least once every three days.

Medications

• Over-the-counter cold and flu medications can help relieve pain, congestion and sinus pressure. Do not use over-the-counter decongestants or pain relievers for more than a few days unless directed to do so by your doctor. The Mayo Clinic warns that long-continued use can actually make your symptoms worse over time.

  Read medication labels carefully, and check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure about a medicine's contents or dosage. Many cold medications contain acetaminophen. Excessive amounts of acetaminophen can cause liver damage, so do not take acetaminophen-containing products such as Tylenol with cold medicine.

  The Food and Drug Administration advises that parents avoid giving cold medications to children under the age of 2. Over-the-counter saline nasal sprays can help relieve nasal congestion without worsening symptoms if used for several days at a time.