Also known as acute viral rhinopharyngitis, common cold is a respiratory illness caused by a coronaviruses or picornaviruses. There are no available cures for this illness however, patients can use medications to stop the symptoms of the disease. The symptoms include muscle aches, loss of appetite as well as nasal congestion. To those who want to know how to stop a common cold, below are the instructions and tips on treating the symptoms of the viral illness.
To stop a common cold, it is important for a patient to get plenty of rest. Being able to rest helps the patient to fight the illness as well as strengthen one’s immune system. In addition, rest also prevents the spreading of the virus to other people who live with the patient or who usually visit the patient.
Wash hands frequently. Aside from this, do not forget to change pillowcases and bed sheets every day or once every two days to eliminate virus and germs from worsening the health condition of the patient. Always remember to drink plenty of water. To improve the health conditions, it is better to drink fresh fruit juices. Water and juices are very helpful in preventing the patient from being dehydrated and to treat symptoms like headaches and sore throats.
Eat fruits and drink juices that are rich in vitamin C. These will help improve and strengthen the patient’s immune system, which is very important to stop a common cold. It is also best to drink supplements that contain vitamin C.
Another way of stopping a common cold is by in-taking supplements that have zinc because it can prevent the virus that causes the disease from replicating. Avoid smoking when experiencing the symptoms of common cold. Smoking can affect the ability of the immune system to combat cold viruses.
When it comes to medications, patients can drink are decongestants, antihistamines and antitussives. Other available and effective alternative treatments for common cold are calendula, ginger, echinacea and garlic.
Common cold is usually treated within a week. For patients who can still experience the symptoms for seven days, it is best that they seek help from physicians or doctors. Physicians can give the patient antibiotics to help fight the illness. If this illness is not treated or stopped immediately, it can lead to other illnesses or it can cause other diseases like pneumonia, bronchitis and asthma. Aside from these, common cold can also lead to the development of emphysema, bronchiolitis, otitis media.
Additional Information On Curing A Cold