Even though we tried
to prevent having cold in this season, some of us are so susceptible that we
still end up with one or two episode (s) of the infection. So how do we handle
this long and irritable days.
This post is
certainly going to do some justice to that. But before you get all excited I
need you to realise first and foremost that the best treatment for a cold is
prevention because like a few other infections /diseases there is no cure.
Sorry to break it to you like that but cold is one of the common place infections, widely studied yet with no cure.
However, the good
side to this is that there are ways to manage the disease while it lasts. Cold
often lasts for about 3-5days but could be longer in some people. Below is a
list of a few ways to deal while carrying this virus around.
Blow Your Nose Often
the Right Way
Rather than sniffing
mucus back into your head, it is advisable that you blow your nose regularly.
By pressing a finger over one nostril while you blow gently to clear the other,
you blow at the littlest of pressure hence nullifying the incident of an
earache. We often blow our nose so hard that our ears starts to ache thereby
adding to an already miserable feeling that we have. So blow your nose the
right way to avoid this ache one less ache is good in this situation.
Rest
Taking a few days off
helps limit the public’s exposure to the virus. It also reduces your chances of
acquiring more infections that can breed under the disguise of cold. Because
the body’s immunity is low at this time taking a rest will help your immune
system direct its energy towards fighting this infection. So rest plenty, lay
your body, and relax. It’s good for your body. 
Taking liquids hot is
especially good for you at this time because it will help soothe the inflamed
membrane, hydrate you and reduce nasal congestion. The same goes for taking a
hot / steamy bath as it helps clear the airways, moisturises you and you will
certainly feel better and relaxed after.
Use Hot or Cold Pack
Why use something
cold on myself when I’m actually having a cold? Well it has been discovered
that a cold pack works in a similar way as a hot pack in decongesting your
nasal partway. Use any, depending on what is available to you and you will have
your nasal airways temporarily cleared for about 2-3 hours. Caution on the use
of hot pack make sure it’s not too hot as to cause your skin to burn.
Sleep With Your Head
Elevated
Keeping your head a
little elevated above your body while you sleep would tremendously help drain
your nose. If you find this position awkward or uncomfortable it has been said
that you can put your pillow under your mattress so as to create a stip/
gradual elevation (I have never tried this before).
Don’t Fly
The pressure in an
airplane while taking off or landing can be real even to the eardrums of a
healthy person. So when you have a cold it is not in your own interest to fly
by air. Except this is absolutely necessary don’t fly. But if you must, make
use of a nasal spray, your own home made vapour rub by mixing the essential oil
with petroleum jelly and apply under your nose and inhale or use a decongestant
(I would usually take a tablet of Actifed) before taking off. The Use of
essential oils like peppermint and tea tree oil can help you clear the nasal
passages and make you breath more easily. They are also versatile and can be
used in many other ways. You can pull a face clothe that has been previously
drained of warm water mixed with a few drops of the essential oil over your
face. Or you can add this oil to your bathing water (make sure it’s a hot bath)
and inhale while having your bath.
Most importantly, see
your doctor in treating a cold. Cold could be a symptom to many other forms of
infections /diseases. So if you have tried doing self-medication do not let
this exceed a three day trial before you see your doctor if symptoms persist and
if you’re on some form of medication before your cold please do not use
medicines indiscriminately as they could have adverse side effects.
Have you tried any of
the methods I have stated? Was it effective? Which combos worked best for you
and would you recommend it to someone else? I will like to hear your views.
Interesting write up but the topic is a bit misleading! Until I opened d link I was thinking I have read it before. Instead of having six ways as the title for d two articles I will suggest you rather have part 1,2 and so on. Just my thinking. In any case its educating and helpful save the issue of "dont fly" which I find hilarious....Hahaha
ReplyDeleteThank you for the observation. though this post is not a continuation of the first it still is in the same region. the first post was talking about avoiding the cold while this one is about treating the infection. I have amended it now and I hope these titles relates the message better.
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