Overview of cough and cold – cause, symptoms, treatment options for cough and cold

Understanding cough and colds

The typical cold and cough is an infection brought on by a virus. Cold and cough are typically caused by one of the hundreds of viruses that can damage the nose, ears, and throat. Through contaminated droplets from the lips and nose, they are quickly transferred from one person to another. Additionally, they can spread through sneezes and coughs.Cough and Colds frequently occur. At least six colds are frequently contracted by healthy preschoolers each year. Kids occasionally fall sick with a new infection after recovering from one, giving the impression that they are “always sick.” Children's developing immune systems make them more susceptible to colds than adults. As they grow older, most kids contract cold viruses less frequently.

Causes of cough and colds

• Infections ( bacterial and viral)
• Allergies
• Asthama
• Post nasal drip
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders (COPD) etc.

Common symptoms of cough and colds

The symptoms can include the following and typically peak in 2 to 3 days

• Sneezing
• Clogged nose
• A sore throat
• Coughing
• Post-nasal drip
• Watery eyes
• Fever

Treatment options for cough and colds

Depending on the root cause. Options consist of:

• Medicines. To get the most out of over-the-counter cough medications, there are a few things you may do. With suppressants, you experience less of a coughing urge. Expectorants help coughing by thinning the mucous.
• Home remedies. You can use cough drops, inhale warm, moist air, and consume warm liquids.
• Choose a cough drop that contains it or stir a tablespoon of honey into hot tea. Honey should never be given to infants under a year old since it can make them very ill.
• The majority of colds and coughs are caused by viruses, and they usually go away on their own after a week. Since medicines can only help treat bacterial illnesses, they will not be able to recuperate if you have the common cold virus.
• Young children shouldn't take other medications like decongestants, antihistamines, or cough syrups because it hasn't been proven that they can speed up a child's recovery from a cough or cold.
• It has also not been demonstrated that vitamin supplements like zinc, vitamin C, and echinacea can hasten a child's recovery from a cold.

Home remedies for relieving symptoms

• You can use cough drops, inhale warm, moist air, and consume warm liquids. 
• Before going to bed, use a humidifier or inhale steam.
• Use an additional pillow to slightly elevate your head.
• Use a saltwater or saline nasal spray.
• Ingest a teaspoon of honey in your mouth.Honey may reduce mucus production. It also eliminates bacteria.
• Take a warm soup or tea.Before going to bed
• Inhale menthol or honey lozenges.
• Drink some hot tea or water if you need to relax.
• Ginger can be either raw or combined with honey and stirred into hot tea.
• Drinking lots of water thins the mucus in your throat in addition to soothing the itch of a cough and keeping you hydrated. With a cough, you're less likely to need to empty things out.

When to see a doctor for cough and colds

If you find the symptoms to be very unpleasant or at any point if you are concerned yourself, you should see your doctor.If you are exhibiting signs like these, make sure to get medical help right away

• Breathlessness (only being able to speak a few words at a time)
• wheezing a “sucking in” of the skin around the throat or beneath the ribcage when breathing in
• Flaring of the nostrils
• cold and fever symptoms. These signs could indicate that your illness is serious or that it is brought on by a virus other than the common cold.

Conclusion: Taking care of yourself during illness.

Ensure your own wellbeing! Colds can make you feel awful even though they are typically just slight.  Taking care of yourself is always the wisest course of action. Take a break, hydrate yourself, and keep the area around you moist. Remind yourself to wash your hands frequently.