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When you get down with a flu or have cough and cold, your body has a mechanism set in place to cure the illness on its own. You don’t have to treat the illness; your immune system does that automatically. However, the resulting symptoms can make you feel wretched. You should always consult a general physician to relieve your symptoms. However, if you are not able to do so for some reason, here are some ways you can treat the symptoms of cold and cough:
Medication for Cold & Cough
Following medicines can be useful in cold cough treatment:
- Antihistamines (helpful in drying out the nose)
For example, loratadine (Claritin®) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl®).
Some of these medicines can have a drowsy effect on people; thus, you should avoid high-risk activities such as driving after taking any of these.
- Decongestants (helpful in reliving stuffy/clogged nose)
For example, pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®).
- Nasal steroids (helpful in sinus pressure, cold, and runny nose treatment)
For example, fluticasone (Flonase®) and mometasone (Nasonex®, requires prescription).
- Analgesics (helpful in relieving pain and fever)
For example, ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen.
- Antitussives (helpful in suppressing coughs)
For example, dextromethorphan (Benylin paediatric formula for treatment of cough in infants.
Home Remedies for Cold & Cough
You can use the following remedies for flu and cough to help with the symptoms:
- Gargle with salt water (lukewarm-warm)
Mix ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of water and gargle with it 3 to 4 times a day to ease sore throat and coughs.
- Drink warm water with honey (and maybe ginger too)
Honey and ginger both have anti-inflammatory properties that will soothe your sore throat.
- Take hot water baths or inhale steam
Inhaling steam directly or during the bath will help loosen the mucus, allowing you to blow out the thick mucus contesting your nasal passage easily.
- Rest
Ample sleep will help your immune system do the job faster and get you well soon.
