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This article was co-authored by David Nazarian, MD. Dr. David Nazarian is a board certified Internal Medicine Physician and the Owner of My Concierge MD, a medical practice in Beverly Hills California, specializing in concierge medicine, executive health and integrative medicine. Dr. Nazarian specializes in comprehensive physical examinations, IV Vitamin therapies, hormone replacement therapy, weight loss, platelet rich plasma therapies. He has over 16 years of medical training and facilitation and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. He completed his B.S. in Psychology and Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles, his M.D. from the Sackler School of Medicine, and a residency at Huntington Memorial Hospital, an affiliate of the University of Southern California.
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Although it's not a very serious virus, the common cold can make you feel miserable. The key to curing a cold fast is early detection. If you think you've contracted a cold, you need to take precautionary measures immediately. Increase your vitamins. Soothe your throat. Clear your nasal passages. These measures will strengthen your body's ability to fight off the cold and hopefully reduce its duration. Beyond these measures, just rest and relax as much as you can. Do not try to get antibiotics, as a cold is caused by a virus, not bacteria, and antibiotics will be no help or cure.
Steps
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Take a cough suppressant. Use a cough suppressant only if you have a dry cough. Cough suppressants include dextromethorphan and codeine. However, you may need a prescription for codeine. Side-effects can include drowsiness and constipation. Dextromethorphan is available as a tablet or syrup and can come in combination with an expectorant. If you have a 'chesty' cough and are coughing up any mucus, do not take a cough suppressant, as this could increase the chances of developing a chest infection. Instead, ask the pharmacist for an 'expectorant' cough syrup.[1]
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Take a decongestant.[2] Nasal decongestants — either liquid or pill form — help shrink blood vessels in the nasal membranes and allow the nasal passages to open up, giving you fast relief. However, you should avoid oral decongestants if you have heart issues or hypertension, and only use decongestants with a doctor’s direction if you have diabetes, thyroid problems, glaucoma, or prostate issues. Side effects of decongestants include insomnia (sleeping problems), dizziness, and increased blood pressure.[3]
Using a Decongestant Correctly
Try an over-the-counter nasal spray for quick relief. Squirt once or twice into each nostril, as directed on the packaging. Only use a nasal spray 3-5 times day; any more than that can actually increase that stuffy feeling.[4]
You can also take a liquid or pill decongestant. Try over-the-counter options like phenylephrine (like Sudafed PE) and pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), both of which have been proven to help with colds.
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Take an expectorant. An expectorant is a form of over-the-counter medication which clears the sinuses by thinning mucus and loosening phlegm that may have settled in your lungs. This will allow you to breathe easier and leave you more comfortable.[5]
- Expectorants are available over-the-counter at your local pharmacy. They are usually taken in liquid form, but they can also be found as tablets and powders. Currently, the only over-the-counter expectorant available is guaifenesin. Look for this active ingredient when searching for medications. Mucinex is the most common brand name guaifenesin-containing medicine sold in pharmacies.[6]
- Be aware that expectorants, like all medications, may have side-effects. Those most commonly associated with this form of medication include nausea, vomiting and drowsiness. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop taking the expectorant immediately.[7]
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Increase your vitamin C intake. Vitamin C has long been touted for its cold-preventing properties, but did you know it can also help to shorten the duration of a cold?[8]
- Up your intake by drinking orange juice and eating foods like strawberries, kiwis and leafy green vegetables, which have a high vitamin C content.
- You can also take a vitamin C supplement, available in tablet form in drug and health food stores. The recommended dosage is 90 mg a day for men and 75 mg a day for women, according to the National Institutes of Health.[9]
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Go see a doctor. Your body has the capabilities to fight off most colds, but a doctor can provide prescription assistance to relieve symptoms. However, do not ask your doctor for antibiotics for a cold, they will not improve your symptoms or the duration of your cold. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, then you should contact your doctor immediately:[10]
- Earache/loss of hearing
- Fever above 103 degrees
- Fever above 101 that lasts for more than 3 days
- Shortness of breath/wheezing
- Bloody mucus
- General symptoms that last more than 7 to 10 days
- Sore throat with a fever, but no cough and no runny nose. This may indicate strep throat, which should immediately be treated with antibiotics to prevent heart complications.
- Cough with a fever, but no runny nose and no sore throat. These symptoms may indicate pneumonia and should also be treated with antibiotics.
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Blow your nose correctly. It's natural to want to blow your nose when you're feeling stuffed up, but just be careful not to overdo it. While blowing your nose can indeed help to clear the nasal passages of excess mucus, blowing too hard or too frequently can actually have adverse effects.[11]
The Right Way to Blow Your Nose
Close one nostril and blow gently into a tissue through the other. Repeat the process on the other side. Afterwards, wash your hands with soap and warm water to avoid spreading the cold germs.[12]
Only blow your nose when necessary, using the correct method; otherwise, blowing can trap mucus and build up pressure in your nose, causing damage to your nasal passage.[13]
Tip: Use soft cotton handkerchiefs to avoid skin irritation around your nose. Soothe the area with a bit of petroleum jelly.[14]
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Try using a sinus or saline irrigation container to clear your nasal passages. Any kind of bottle or container with a thin spout can be used with a saline solution to thin and flush mucus from the nasal passages. However, they won’t relieve your cold symptoms.[15]
- Make your own saline solution by mixing half a teaspoon of kosher salt into a cup of water.
- Fill the container with the saline solution, tilt your head to one side (over a sink), and insert the spout into one nostril and pour. The solution should flow in one nostril before coming out the other. When the water stops dripping, blow your nose gently, then repeat the process on the opposite side[16]
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Use steam treatments. Steam can be really useful when it comes to clearing your head. The heat of the steam loosens mucus while the moisture from the water helps to relieve dry nasal passages. Use steam in one of the following ways:[17]
- Give yourself a steam facial by boiling a pot of water. Pour that water into a separate bowl and then place your face over the steaming water. Hold a towel over your head to keep the steam in. Add a couple of drops of a sinus-clearing essential oil (such as tea tree or peppermint) to maximize the sinus-clearing benefits.
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Take a hot shower. Yes, even if you're feeling under the weather, you shouldn't skip your daily shower as it can actually help to clear a cold faster. Heat the water to a high, yet comfortable temperature and let the bathroom steam up as much as possible to help loosen mucus. The steam won’t heal your cold, but it can help you feel better. If the heat leaves you feeling a little weak or dizzy, consider bringing a plastic chair or stool into the shower with you.[18]
- A hot, steamy bath can work wonders for you when you have a cold - not just in terms of decongestion, but also in terms of relaxation and heat. Again, try to make the water as hot as possible. If you decide to wash your hair (either in the bath or shower) remember to dry your hair thoroughly afterward, as damp hair can cause you to lose body heat, which is not good for a cold.
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Drink hot fluids. There's nothing more comforting than a hot drink when you're suffering from a nasty cold. But beyond the comfort factor, a hot drink can actually help to clear your nasal passages and soothe a sore throat, making it the perfect cold-busting remedy.[19]
Warm Drinks to Soothe Your Symptoms
Herbal teas, such as chamomile and peppermint, are a good choice because they’ll soothe your throat while keeping you hydrated.
Regular tea and coffee can help to perk you up if you're feeling groggy, but are not as good for hydration.
Add a slice of fresh lemon to a cup of warm water, then squeeze in some honey to taste. The warm water clears congestion, the lemon boosts the immune system, and the honey soothes a sore throat.
Chicken soup, which may limit the production of some white blood cells that contribute to cold symptoms. It’s also comforting and tasty.[20]
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Take a pain reliever/fever reducer. If you have aches or a high temperature, your main two choices are acetaminophen (Tylenol) and NSAIDs (non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen). Avoid taking NSAIDs, if you have acid reflux or peptic ulcer disease. If you are already taking a NSAID for other issues, talk to your doctor before taking more. Do not take more than the prescribed amount, as indicated on the bottle. Too much of either medicine can lead to liver toxicity. You don't want to develop a worse condition while trying to fight off another.[21]
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Gargle salt water to ease your sore throat. Congestion isn't the only nasty symptom you have to contend with during a cold - dry, itchy, or sore throats can be equally bothersome. An easy, natural way to deal with this is to gargle a salt solution. The water hydrates the throat, while the antiseptic properties in the salt help to fight infection. Make the solution by dissolving a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. If the taste is too unpleasant for your liking, add a little baking soda to take the edge off the saltiness. Gargle this solution up to four times a day. Do not swallow.[22]
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Take elderberry syrup. Elderberries are said to be a great natural immune booster, and are therefore very popular as a natural cold remedy. Elderberry contains flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties and may help prevent damage to the body’s cells. However, very few studies have been done in humans, so researchers don't know how effective elder may be. You can use elderberries in a number of ways:[23]
- Taking a spoonful of elderberry syrup every morning. This syrup can be found in most health food stores, or you can make your own.
- By adding a couple of drops of elderberry extract (also found in health food stores) to a glass of water or juice.
- Or by drinking elderberry tea - a hot beverage with elderflowers and peppermint leaves.
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Eat a spoon of raw honey. Raw honey is an effective natural immune booster, which also contains anti-viral properties and soothes sore throats making it a primary ingredient in many natural cold remedies.[24]
- You can eat a spoonful of the raw honey by itself or stir it into warm water or tea. Another great cure for a cold is to have a glass of milk mixed with a spoonful of turmeric powder, then chase it down quickly with a spoonful of honey. Try to source raw honey from your local area, as it will help your body to develop a tolerance for allergens native to your region.
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Eat garlic. Garlic boasts an impressive array of health benefits, thanks to its antimicrobial, antiviral and antibiotic properties. There is some evidence to suggest that raw garlic can help to relieve cold symptoms, shorten a colds duration and boost the immune system, thus preventing future cold.[25]
Eating Garlic to Relieve Symptoms
Crush up a clove and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. This allows a compound known as allicin to develop - a potent anti-bacterial agent which gives garlic most of its health benefits.
Then, mix the garlic with a little honey of olive oil and spread it on a cracker, or eat it raw if you have a strong stomach.[26]
You can also take garlic as a supplement, but it’s more effective when eaten raw.
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Take natural supplements. There are certain natural supplements which are believed to help with cold symptoms. While they won't necessarily cure the cold or stop it in its tracks, they can help it to go away faster. For example:[27]
Natural Supplements to Try:
Echinacea, an herbal supplement believed to contain anti-viral properties and aid in the treatment of respiratory infections. When taken in tablet form it is said to reduce the span of a cold, if taken as soon as the first symptoms appear.[28]
Zinc, which has been shown to shorten the duration of colds by preventing the virus from reproducing. It can be taken in tablet, lozenge or syrup form.[29]
Ginseng, an ancient cold remedy that’s been scientifically proven to help shorten the duration of colds and reinforce the immune system. It can be taken in supplement form, or the root can be boiled in water to make tea.[30]
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Take some time off. One surefire way to make your cold drag on and on - for days or even weeks - is to continue with your normal routine and not give your body time to recuperate. Additionally, a cold is highly contagious, so taking time off can help prevent the spread to others.[31] The best way to get over a cold quickly is just to take a few days off, hold up somewhere warm and cozy, and give your body a break.
- Aside from that, the common cold is a virus which attacks and weakens the immune system, making you more susceptible to contracting other illnesses or your cold becoming worse. Therefore, staying in your home environment is the safest option, at least until you start to feel well again.
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Get plenty of rest. Try to remember that your body is doing its best to fight off the cold virus and it needs all the energy it can get in order to win. Over-exerting yourself with housework, exercise, traveling, or other physical activities will just prolong the cold and make you feel worse. Ensuring that you get at least eight hours of sleep a night also makes you less susceptible to catching a cold in the future.[32]
- Even if you can't sleep, try curling up on the couch with a warm blanket and a hot drink, Use this time as an excuse to binge on multiple re-runs of Friends or read the entire Harry Potter series.
- When sleeping, try to prop your head up on an extra pillow. It may feel a little strange if you're not used to it, but the raised angle will aid in the draining of your nasal passages. If it really feels uncomfortable, try placing the extra pillow beneath the bottom sheet or under the mattress on your bed, for a less severe angle.[33]
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Stay warm. What's the opposite of cold? Warmth! (Well, sort of). Even though cold weather or "catching a chill" doesn't actually cause a cold (the cold virus does), staying warm during the recovery process will help. So turn up the thermostat, light a roaring fire and pile on the blankets -- you'll feel much better soon.[34]
- Despite the benefits of heat, dry heat can actually irritate inflamed nasal passages and sore throats. You can combat this by using a humidifier to add moisture back into the air. This can help to make breathing more comfortable.
- Just be aware that humidifiers can spread pathogens and molds.
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Drink lots of fluids.[35] All that nose-blowing and sweating it out under heavy blankets can leave you feeling dehydrated, which can worsen cold symptoms, leading to headaches and dry, irritated throats.[36]
- Try to drink slightly more than average when you're sick - whether the fluids come in the form of hots teas, soups, water-heavy fruit and veg (watermelon, tomato, cucumber, pineapple), or just plain water.
- A handy way to check for dehydration is to examine your urine. If it's very pale yellow or almost clear, you're doing okay. But if it's dark yellow, this means that there are higher concentrations of waste in your body that are not being diluted, which is a sign that you should drink more water.
Foods and Fluids for Colds
Clear Congestion With This Expert Series
Expert Q&A
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QuestionIs it better to rest or exercise when you have a cold?
David Nazarian, MDDr. David Nazarian is a board certified Internal Medicine Physician and the Owner of My Concierge MD, a medical practice in Beverly Hills California, specializing in concierge medicine, executive health and integrative medicine. Dr. Nazarian specializes in comprehensive physical examinations, IV Vitamin therapies, hormone replacement therapy, weight loss, platelet rich plasma therapies. He has over 16 years of medical training and facilitation and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. He completed his B.S. in Psychology and Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles, his M.D. from the Sackler School of Medicine, and a residency at Huntington Memorial Hospital, an affiliate of the University of Southern California.
Board Certified Internal Medicine PhysicianMake sure you're getting plenty of rest while you're sick since your body needs it to fully recover. Also, remember to drink plenty of fluids so you're staying hydrated. -
QuestionMy nose is stuffy and I have a sore throat and lots of coughing. How can I get cured in a week?
Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MSLuba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
Board-Certified Family Nurse PractitionerRest, drink plenty of warm fluid, gargle with salt water, and use nasal saline drops. Your immune system should fight your cold if you give it adequate support via rest, hydration, and home remedies. You should feel better in 3 - 5 days. If you don't feel better or if you feel worse, see your healthcare provider. -
QuestionI have to sing tomorrow in an audition, how can I get rid of a cold in one day?
Daniel Wozniczka, MD, MPHDr. Wozniczka is an Internal Medicine Physician, who is focused on the intersection of medicine, economics, and policy. He has global healthcare experience in Sub Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia. He serves currently as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Public Health Service and a Medical Officer for the Epidemic Intelligence Service in the CDC. He completed his MD at Jagiellonian University in 2014, and also holds an MBA and Masters in Public Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Internal Medicine PhysicianThere is, unfortunately, no way to cure a cold in one day. Your body must go through a natural healing process. Rest and drink plenty of fluids before your audition.
Video
Reader Videos
Tips
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Placing a warm compress on your face can also help decongest your sinuses.[37]Thanks
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Be careful not to let the mucus build up to much in your nose. It can block your airway in your nose, forcing you to breathe through your mouth which can be annoying. It can also make it difficult to sleep.Thanks
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Don't forget to distract yourself as much as you can from how your body feels. This will help you to have a good time even though you are sick.Thanks
In order to raise your back you can add some bedsheets/pillows/reflux board/ or prop up pillows. You should put it under you so it raises your back a little high.
Warnings
- If you run a high fever or your symptoms don’t improve after 7 days, call your doctor.Thanks
- Talk to your doctor before you take any medications or supplements to make sure they’re safe for you.Thanks
Things You'll Need
- Tissues
- Medicine
- Shower
- Bed
- Hot drinks
- Movies and books (or something to do without being physical)
- Water
References
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17323712/
- ↑ David Nazarian, MD. Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine. Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
- ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a608026.html
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24219370/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29238574/
- ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682494.html
- ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682494.html
- ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002145.htm
- ↑ http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-Consumer/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/sinus-infections-that-dont-quit-when-you-should-worry/
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10671347
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10671347
- ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/10/health/10real.html?_r=1&
- ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000678.htm
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22962927/
- ↑ http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm316375.htm
- ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cold-common/Pages/Treatment.aspx
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22962927/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19145994/
- ↑ http://www.humanillnesses.com/Infectious-Diseases-He-My/Influenza.html
- ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a681004.html
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24130944/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27023596/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22962927/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6465033/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6465033/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27055821/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27055821/
- ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/967.html
- ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/967.html
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23259364/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19139325/
- ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003051.htm
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16253889/
- ↑ David Nazarian, MD. Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine. Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC390257/
- ↑ David Nazarian, MD. Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine. Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
About This Article
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
While you can’t cure a cold with medicine, detecting your cold early can help you give yourself the TLC you need to recover quickly. Look for symptoms like a sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, cough, fatigue, and fever. You can relieve some of those symptoms using over-the-counter medications, such as nasal decongestants and expectorants. While you’re recovering, boost your immune system by eating plenty of foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, and leafy green vegetables. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids as well, since dehydration can delay healing and make you feel worse. You’ll also recover faster if you get plenty of rest, so try to sleep as much as you can. For more advice from our Medical co-author, including how to decide when to see a doctor for your cold symptoms, keep reading!
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