Sunday, August 7, 2016

Colds and Natural Remedy

Colds and Natural Remedy


Colds


is an illness caused by a tiny, living thing called virus. It is a mild viral infection of the nose, throat, sinuses and upper airways. It's very common and usually clears up on its own within a couple of days. There are more than 200 types of virus, but the most common one is the rhinovirus, which brings on 10% to 40% of colds. About 20% of colds cases caused by coronavirus, 10% by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and parainfluenza virus.


The common colds favorite season to spread and multiply in asian countries is during rainy season that starts in the second half of the year. The cold weather itself does not cause the common cold. The low humidity during these colder months contribute to the increasing case of common cold, because many implicated viruses survive during low-humidity weather condition.The common symptoms are runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and cough.



How do colds Spread?


Common cold is spread by person-to-person contact,  when an individual who has a cold blows or touches their nose and then touches someone. Accidentally inhaling tiny droplets of fluid that contain the cold virus, these are launched into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. A cold virus can live on objects such as pens, cups, utensils, notebooks, door knobs, telephones, computer  mouse and keyboards etc. for several hours and can thus be acquired from contact with these objects.



What to do?

Stay Warm and Rested

Stay warm and resting when you first come down with a cold helps your body direct its energy toward the immune battle. So give it a little help by resting.

Blow Your Nose Often ( the Right Way)

It's important to blow your nose regularly when you have a cold rather than sniffling mucus back into your head. Don’t you blow hard, because pressure could bring germ-carrying phlegm back into your ear passages, and may cause earache. To blow your nose: Press a finger over one nostril while you blow gently to clear the other.

Gargle

Gargling can moisten a sore throat and bring temporary relief. Gargle with half a teaspoon of salt dissolved in 8 ounces warm water, four times daily.
To reduce the tickle in your throat, try an astringent gargle such as tea that contains tannin to tighten the membranes. Or use a thick, viscous gargle made with honey or honey and apple cider vinegar. Seep one tablespoon of raspberry leaves or lemon juice in two cups of hot water; mix with one teaspoon of honey. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before gargling.

Use a Salve Under Your Nose

A small dab of mentholated salve under your nose can help to open breathing passages and restore the irritated skin at the base of the nose. Putting menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor oil can reduce the difficulty in breathing and reduce mucus on the lungs. However, only put it on the outside, under your nose, not inside your nose.

Apply Hot or Cold Packs Around Your Congested Sinuses

Either temperature works. You can buy reusable hot or cold packs at a drugstore or make your own. You can apply heat by taking a damp washcloth and heating it for 55 seconds in a microwave (test the temperature first to make sure it's not too hot.) A small bag of frozen peas works well as a cold pack.

Drink Hot Liquids

Hot liquids relieve nasal congestion, prevent dehydration, and soothe the uncomfortably inflamed membranes that line your nose and throat.
Note: Try drinking hot juices like lemon or oranges. ( it works for me )

Take a Steamy Shower

Steamy showers moisturize your nasal passages and may help you relax. Also try to dip your body in a luke warm (body temperature) water in the tub and take a sponge bath.

Sleep With an Extra Pillow Under Your Head

Elevating your head will help relieve congested nasal passages. If the angle is too awkward, try placing the pillows between the mattress and the box springs to create a more gradual slope.

Eat Healthy Foods

By eating healthy foods you can have a better immune system that fights viruses.



How to Stop Colds from Spreading?


1. wash your hands regularly, particularly before touching your nose or mouth and before handling food

2. clean surfaces regularly to keep them free of germs

3. use your own cup, plates, cutlery and kitchen utensils
4. don't share towels or other personal belongings with someone who has a cold
5. Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing – this will help prevent the virus-containing droplets from your nose and mouth entering the air, so that you won’t infect others; throw away used tissues immediately and properly wash your hands.



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