How to Eliminate Cold Symptoms

The common cold is defined as a viral infection that originates in the human nasal passages. During the development of the common cold, infected material travels from the nose to the throat by way of the natural breathing process. The viral infection may also spread to the ears and upper respiratory area. Modern treatment to eliminate cold symptoms usually starts with the identification of symptoms and the application of both physician-prescribed and home-based remedies.

Things You'll Need

• Humidifier
• Thermometer

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Instructions

• 1

  Use a humidifier. The use of a commercial humidifier can relieve symptoms of a cold-related soar throat. The throat may become dry, scratchy and irritated due to the need for mouth breathing as a result of severe nasal congestion. A humidifier can assist by introducing moisture to the throat and nasal area, reliving both congestion and irritation.

• 2

  Take well-known medications. Cold-related symptoms can be alleviated or treated through the use of over-the-counter and physician-prescribed medications. For nasal congestion, take a decongestant. A hard candy lozenge may be used to alleviate cold-induced throat irritation while acetaminophen or aspirin may be used to control pain related to sinus headaches in adults.

• 3

  Try home remedies. A salt water gargle is common in the treatment of throat-related cold symptoms. You can also make use of vaporizers filled with natural products, such as eucalyptus oil and wine vinegar, to relieve the symptoms of nasal congestion. You can relieve upper respiratory congestion by adding both lemon and honey to hot water to create a symptom-fighting syrup. Common household ingredients such as ginger, sage and garlic can be added to liquids such as warm milk and water to promote symptom relief while combating congestion and infection.

• 4

  Seek medical attention. Seek the advice and treatment of an experienced medical professional. For convenience, many health-care organizations currently provide nurse-based, toll-free medical consultation along with Internet-based health education resources. For one-on-one care, visit your primary care provider to receive clinical treatment and follow-up.