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What Are the Different Types of Common Cold Treatment?

A. Pasbjerg
A. Pasbjerg

While there is no real cure for a cold beyond letting the body fight off the virus, there are several types of common cold treatment that can help ease symptoms and boost immunity. Getting enough rest is very important, as is keeping the body hydrated. A variety of over-the-counter medications are available to help reduce fever, congestion, and coughing. Certain types of food like chicken soup are known to help ease symptoms, and taking vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements may help increase the body's immune response. Other methods for reducing cold symptoms include using a humidifier, gargling with saltwater, and using nasal saline drops.

Rest and hydration are some of the most important parts of common cold treatment. The body needs plenty of rest while it is fighting the virus, so patients should sleep as much as they need to and minimize activity. They should also drink large quantities of water, juice, and other non-alcoholic and caffeine-free beverages to replace the fluids being lost due to fever and congestion.

Over-the-counter medications for a cold.
Over-the-counter medications for a cold.

Patients suffering from uncomfortable symptoms may want to include over-the-counter medications as part of their common cold treatment. NSAIDs or acetaminophen can be used to bring down fever, and also help with body aches, headaches, and sore throats. Decongestant pills or nasal sprays can help reduce mucous production and ease a stuffy or runny nose. For those with a severe cough that makes sleeping difficult, a cough suppressant may be a good choice.

Congestion can be treated with nasal sprays or simply inhaling steam.
Congestion can be treated with nasal sprays or simply inhaling steam.

Another type of common cold treatment is eating the right foods. Chicken soup is a well-known home remedy that research has shown helps ease congestion and boosts immunity. Spicy foods may help ease congestion as well. Patients should generally try to eat healthy foods while being sick to give their bodies as much nutrition as possible to fight the infection.

Some types of nutritional supplements may help when treating a cold. Vitamin C in particular is thought to be good for reducing the time a cold lasts, as is zinc. Echinacea is also thought to help increase immune function.

A sore throat is one symptom of the common cold.
A sore throat is one symptom of the common cold.

For those who prefer home remedies to drugs for symptom reduction, there are several options for common cold treatment. Keeping the room warm can make patients more comfortable, as can moistening the air with a humidifier. Saltwater gargles may be effective for soothing a sore throat. Nasal saline drops can moisten irritated nasal passageways and help reduce congestion.

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    • Over-the-counter medications for a cold.
      By: Nikolai Sorokin
      Over-the-counter medications for a cold.
    • Congestion can be treated with nasal sprays or simply inhaling steam.
      By: leungchopan
      Congestion can be treated with nasal sprays or simply inhaling steam.
    • A sore throat is one symptom of the common cold.
      By: xalanx
      A sore throat is one symptom of the common cold.
    • There are several types of common cold treatments that can help ease symptoms.
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      There are several types of common cold treatments that can help ease symptoms.
    • Zinc supplements and vitamin C are considered cold remedies.
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      Zinc supplements and vitamin C are considered cold remedies.
    • Chicken soup can help ease congestion.
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      Chicken soup can help ease congestion.
    • A humidifier can be used as a treatment for common cold symptoms.
      By: StockPhotosArt
      A humidifier can be used as a treatment for common cold symptoms.
    • It is important to stay hydrated while dealing with a cold.
      By: anyaivanova
      It is important to stay hydrated while dealing with a cold.
    • People who have a severe cough may need a cough suppressant.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      People who have a severe cough may need a cough suppressant.
    • Lots of rest can help when fighting a cold.
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      Lots of rest can help when fighting a cold.
    • Gargling with saltwater can soothe a sore throat caused by a cold.
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      Gargling with saltwater can soothe a sore throat caused by a cold.
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      Citrus fruits are rich in vitamins that can help battle colds.
    • Nasal saline drops can moisten irritated passageways to help reduce congestion and ease symptoms.
      By: Ken Hurst
      Nasal saline drops can moisten irritated passageways to help reduce congestion and ease symptoms.