Home care for the common cold.

Home care for the common cold.

Common cold is a very common problem. In rainy and winter seasons it’s a common complaint. Here are a few home care for the common cold.

1.Warm room:
Whenever someone gets cold he / she should live in a warm room. Switch off the fan / AC. Closed the windows. Use a blanket to cover the body. Use socks and ear coverings in order to prevent cold.

2.Steamer/ Hot steam vaporizer:
It can be used alone or along with Vicks / Zendo balm. It should be taken daily two times. Once while going to sleep and once get up from bed. While taking steam use a blanket in order to get maximum steam.

3.Boiled eggs:
Warm boiled eggs need to be taken after getting from bed and before sleep. Eggs should be used along with black pepper over it.

4.Aviod bath:
Avoid baths while having a cold. Common cold will be aggravated by bathing.

5.Frequent fluids:
Fluids should be taken frequently with sips. Keep hydrated. Warm fluids should be used. Avoid cold fluids. Tea with ginger will have a good effect on the common cold.

6.Salt water gargling:
Once you finish morning brushing of teeth, salt water gargles with 500 ml of warm water and 1 teaspoon of salt. It can be repeated before going to sleep.

7.Brush your teeth in night:
Everyone wants to brush their teeth in the morning but no one wants to brush at night. Research studies have shown that brushing teeth at night is more important than morning. Brushing teeth at night removes all food particles and has some effect on sore throats, which is the major site for colds.

8.Rest:
Avoid school/ work place if you are having fever and cough. This will give a chance to rest your body and prevent others from getting infections.

Red flag signs:
Many common colds with mild fever can be treated with home remedies. But some are red flag signs where we have to consult your doctor.
1.High grade fever.
2.Excessive cough.
3.Diffficulty in breathing.
4.Severe sore throat.
5.Severe headache.
6.Generalized body ache.

• Dr Saad Mohammad Athanikar.
  Orthopaedic surgeon.