Cold remedies

Extremely widespread among the world population, the cold is a viral disease that affects the upper and - sometimes - lower airways.

We are talking about an extremely contagious disease, but fortunately harmless and totally reversible (in the vast majority of cases). The cold, expression of an inflammation of the pharyngeal and nasal mucosa caused by the viral insult, triggers symptoms such as sneezing, cough, nasal congestion, fever, hoarseness and inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck.

Shutterstock The material published is intended to allow quick access to general advice, suggestions and remedies that doctors and textbooks usually dispense for the treatment of the common cold; such indications must in no way substitute the opinion of the attending physician or other health specialists in the sector who are treating the patient. absolute accelerates the recovery time from colds.

Cover up well before leaving the house with scarves and warm clothing (during the winter months and in the intermediate seasons).

Avoid thermal changes.

Use room humidifiers, useful for remedying nasal congestion.

Breastfeed the baby preferably with mother's milk, which is very important for strengthening its immune defenses.

Fluidify the mucus: in this case, nasal irrigation with saline solutions is particularly indicated.

Make use of the help of nasal vaporizers or humidifiers, useful for promoting the fluidization of the mucus, therefore the liberation from the stuffy nose.

always in the same handkerchief: prefer disposable paper handkerchiefs.

Smoking: smoking, both passive and active, seems to inhibit the immune system, predisposing the subject to infections, including colds.

Taking antibiotics without a doctor's prescription: unless there is a "concomitant bacterial infection (eg pyogenic streptococcal sore throat), the administration of antibiotics against colds is useless, ineffective and superfluous, since the pathogens involved are viruses (and not bacteria!).

Swallow the mucus.

Sleep a few hours: it is observed that subjects who sleep a few hours during the night tend to get sick more easily than those who sleep 6-8 hours a night.

Put your hands in your mouth and nose.

simple, healthy and easy to digest.

It is recommended that you drink plenty of hot liquids, such as tea, hot milk, broths and soups.

Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration: Colds are often accompanied by episodes of diarrhea and vomiting.

It seems that even the habit of consuming yogurt with live lactic ferments or in any case probiotics is an excellent remedy for colds, since the immune defenses are strengthened.

Foods rich in vitamin C also help protect the body from colds.

: it seems that alcoholic beverages can worsen the swelling of the nasal mucosa, which often accompanies colds.

Coffee and caffeinated beverages: These foods appear to predispose the cold patient to dehydration.

particularly effective for speeding up healing in the event of a cold.

The fumigations enriched with essential oils with expectorant, disinfectant and balsamic action give a perception of immediate comfort after inhaling the steam.

• Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labill) → anti-inflammatory, expectorant, balsamic properties.
• Mint (Mentha piperita) → balsamic, decongestant, anti-catarrhal properties.
• Lemon (Citrus limon) → antiseptic properties.
• Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium L. var. bitter) → disinfectant, anti-inflammatory, decongestant properties.
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) → balsamic, expectorant, antioxidant properties.

Among other natural remedies for colds we cannot forget the extraordinary therapeutic power obtained from the extracts of some plants, such as:

• Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) → antiviral, immunostimulating, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties (in the form of herbal tea, syrup, tablets).
• Propolis → antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral activity.
• Fir (Abies pectinata DC) → anti-catarrhal and balsamic properties.
• Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) → diaphoretic and anti-inflammatory properties (in the form of herbal tea or infusion).
• Spirea meadowsweet → anti-inflammatory and calming properties.
• Linden (Tilia cordata) → diaphoretic properties, mildly sedative.

: the disease usually resolves spontaneously in a few days. However, some medications can be taken to counteract the symptoms usually associated with colds, such as:

1. Nasal decongestants such as phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine, oxymetazoline.
2. Medicines to lower fever such as acetaminophen (an antipyretic) or ibuprofen (an NSAID).
3. Antitussives or mucolytics, if the cold was also accompanied by a dry cough or a fat cough.
4. Vitamin C: The beneficial effect of high-dose vitamin C in treating colds is questionable; however, it appears that it may prove useful in reducing the severity and duration of the disease in question. In any case, medical advice should be sought before resorting to its integration.

Please Note

Before taking any type of cold medication and its symptoms, you should consult your doctor.

and personal hygiene.

Cleaning children's toys: children tend to put all objects in their mouths, which could be dirty and contaminated.

Bring disinfectant wipes or specific liquid formulations (for example, hand sanitizer gels) with you.

If possible, avoid traveling by bus or train with small children, who are much more prone to viral infections.

Avoid as much as possible any contact with colds: even a sneeze or a cough are vehicles for the spread of cold viruses.

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