Common Cold Cures

Regardless of how frequent you wash your hands or try to avoid sick people, you're bound to catch a cold. Colds are common infections, and typical symptoms include coughing, sneezing, a runny nose and sore throat. Mild infections seldom impede daily routines, whereas a severe cold can slow you down and lead to other complications such as pneumonia. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the common cold. But there are several ways to treat symptoms and fight the infection.

Fight the Infection With Medication

• Cold medications are highly effective, and the sooner you begin taking them to ease symptoms, the better. Several products are available in local grocery stores and pharmacies. But before selecting a particular product, it's best to read the package label and choose products to relieve your specific symptoms. For example, some medications function as a decongestant to promote drainage, whereas others work as a cough suppressant. Most cold medications also feature a pain reliever such as acetaminophen to alleviate headaches and body aches. Take as directed.

Build Your Immune System

• Strengthening your immune system is key to overcoming the common cold, and to help prevent them in the future. There are several quick techniques to improve your system. And by taking these measures, you can shorten the duration of a cold. According to the Mayo Clinic, vitamin supplements such as vitamin C and zinc may relieve symptoms and speed your recovery. Zinc is available as a nasal spray, capsule or lozenge; and good sources of vitamin C include orange juice and supplements. What's more, ample rest while battling the common cold also boosts the immune system. Take a couple days off from everything--school, work and extracurricular activities; and aim for a full night's rest--at least eight hours.

Ways to Relieve Congestion

• Nasal and chest congestion are top symptoms of a common cold. Chest congestion triggers coughing, whereas nasal congestion impairs breathing. But rather than deal with congestion, consider ways to thin mucus and restore breathing. In conjunction with decongestants, drink plenty of water and juice to loosen or break-up mucus in the chest. Placing a humidifier near your bed is an effective remedy. And eating or drinking hot beverages such as chicken soup or hot tea quickly thins mucus and relieves congestion.