13 Tips to Clear a Cold Fast

The common cold is common because almost everybody gets one a few times a year. A cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by any of 200 viruses. It usually clears on its own within a week but in the meantime triggers irritation and pain in your nose and throat.

Read on for tips on how to soothe your symptoms and reduce the recurrence of colds.

13 Tips to Clear a Cold Fast

Blow Your Nose Often and Properly - It's important to blow your nose regularly when you have a cold rather than sniffling mucus back into your head. But when you blow hard, pressure can cause an earache. The best way to blow your nose is to press a finger over one nostril while you blow gently to clear the other.

Stay Rested - Resting when you first come down with a cold helps your body direct its energy toward the immune battle. This battle taxes the body. So give it a little help by lying down and pampering yourself

Use Paracetamol or Ibuprofen -Take a mild pain reliever like paracetamol or ibuprofen to calm a sore throat, reduce a fever and lessen a headache.

Drink more Water and Eat more Fruit- Water and fruits that contain water are perfect because they cleanse the body, which can help remove bacteria and toxins. Toxins can contribute to a cold, and the sooner they're out of your body, the more quickly you can recover.

Gargle - Gargling can moisten a sore throat and bring temporary relief. Try a teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water, four times daily. To reduce the tickle in your throat a tablespoon of honey mixed with lemon juice in hot water. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before gargling.

Drink Hot Liquids - Hot liquids relieve nasal congestion, help prevent dehydration, and can soothe the uncomfortably inflamed membranes that line your nose and throat.

Consider medicine alternatives - Medical research shows promise with alternatives like echinacea, vitamin C and Zinc. These all boost a weakened immune system and help your body fight off any unwanted viruses

Stay home from work- Because a cold can linger for several days, many people continue to work, go to school or participate in other activities. Mild colds rarely interfere with daily life. However, if you're dealing with a bad cold, consider taking a few days off to give yourself time to relax and heal.

Take a Steamy Shower - Steamy showers moisturise your nasal passages and relax you.

Use a bit of Vicks under Your Nose -A small dab of Vicks under your nose can open breathing passages and help soothe the irritated skin at the base of the nose and all have mild numbing ingredients that may help relieve the pain of a nose rubbed raw.

Use a Hot or Cold Packs Facecloth -Either temperature may help you feel more comfortable. Alternatively you can buy reusable hot or cold packs at a chemist. Or make your own. Take a damp washcloth and heat it for 55 seconds in a microwave (test the temperature first to make sure it's right for you.) Or take a small bag of frozen peas to use as a cold pack.

Sleep With an Extra Pillow Under Your Head - This will help with the drainage of 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.

Wash your hands - Be sure to wash your hands after wiping your nose and coughing. Good hygiene is a good way to quickly fight a cold and you're less likely to infect others.