Taking Care of a Common Cold at Home

A common cold can cause very annoying symptoms, such as a stuffy nose or a cough. However, it can be relieved with some basic care.

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Elisa Martin Cano.

Written by Elisa Martin Cano

Last update: 27 May, 2022

In most cases, taking care of a common cold at home is quite simple. This condition can affect anyone and doesn’t usually cause major complications. Still, its symptoms are bothersome and may lead the person to skip work or school.

Symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and coughing produce a feeling of general discomfort that hinders the process of doing daily tasks. Fortunately, it usually improves in a short time by adopting self-care measures. Continue reading to learn more!

What’s a common cold?

A common cold refers to a viral infection that affects the respiratory tract. It can be caused by many different types of viruses. Actually, it’s estimated that there are around 200 types of related viruses, such as rhinovirus, adenovirus, and others.

Throughout history, experts have attempted to identify the factors that help this pathology develop. For example, studies have shown that this happens more frequently in children, in stressful situations, or in places where the environment is dry and cold.

Symptoms usually appear two to three days after being exposed to the virus. Let’s see some of them:

• Nasal congestion
• Sneezing
• General discomfort
• Low fever (only in some cases)
• Cough and sore throat
• Headache

The mucus thickens as the disease progresses. However, the symptoms improve on their own within days. Despite that, it’s important to put into practice some tips to cope with it and reduce the risk of complications.

Tips for taking care of a common cold at home

If there are no signs of complications from a common cold episode, a few simple things are more than enough to cope with the symptoms. Following them, as well as resting appropriately, will relieve the symptoms in a short amount of time.

Drink water and healthy fluids

Keeping yourself hydrated is one of the fundamental measures to relieve congestion. When you drink a lot of fluids, the mucus thickens and becomes easier to remove, either by sneezing or coughing.

We recommend drinking both water and hot infusions. Similarly, soups and broths often create a comforting sensation. It’s important that you avoid substances that promote dehydration, such as alcoholic or caffeinated drinks.

Make a saline solution

Applying a saline solution can help you to improve discomforts such as nasal congestion and throat irritation. It’ll be enough to dilute a quarter of a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Then, use the liquid to do a nasal wash or gargle.

If you don’t want to do it yourself, you can simply buy a saline spray and nasal drops at the pharmacy. They’re applied in the case of blockage and excess mucus production. In babies, the ideal thing is to apply several drops of the product in one nostril. Then, suck it out carefully with a rubber pear.

Take care of the place you rest

When it comes to taking care of a common cold at home, one of the most vital aspects is taking lots of rest. However, you must make sure that the place where you sleep is free from irritants, such as cigarette smoke, dust, or strong-smelling chemicals. Exposure to these can worsen your symptoms.

You can also install a humidifier in the room so that the environment is humid and warm. This will help decrease the irritation of the respiratory tract and increase the feeling of relief.

Other things to do to take care of a common cold at home

In addition to putting the above into practice, it’s essential to remember the importance of reducing the risk of contagion. You must cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing to keep the particles of your secretions from infecting others. Washing your hands regularly and avoiding sharing personal items is another useful measure for this.

If you’re suffering from symptoms such as headaches or general malaise, we recommend you take analgesic medications, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. In addition, there are mucolytic and antitussive drugs that help reduce mucus thickness and cough. In any case, to avoid self-medication, your best bet is to go to the doctor and follow their recommendations.