Common Cold Treatment

Common cold treatment options include bed rest, drinking lots of fluids, and taking cold medications. No common cold treatment will actually shorten or prevent colds, but treatments can provide relief from cold symptoms. Check with your doctor before giving medications to children as a common cold treatment; some medications, like aspirin, have been linked to the development of more serious conditions.

 

Common Cold Treatment: An Introduction

It seems like every day a new common cold treatment is being marketed to prevent, cure, or shorten the length of the common cold (see Common Cold Myths). Despite these marketing claims, there is only one cure for the common cold -- time. Therefore, common cold treatment goals are focused on providing relief from common cold symptoms as the body fights the cold virus.
 
Common cold treatment options include:
 
  • Resting in bed
  • Drinking plenty of fluids
  • Gargling with warm salt water (or using throat sprays or lozenges)
  • Using a cool-mist humidifier
  • Taking common cold medicine.
     

Common Cold Treatment: Fluids and Rest

For common cold treatment, fluids such as water, juice, soup, and non-caffeinated beverages can help loosen mucus, keep you hydrated, and make you feel better, especially if you have a fever.
 
Alcohol and drinks containing caffeine may have a dehydrating effect, so avoid them when you are experiencing cold symptoms.
 

Common Cold Treatment: Gargle and Humidify

Gargling with salt water can help relieve a sore throat. A cool-mist humidifier, which breaks water into droplets and releases them into the air, may help relieve stuffy noses. Keep the humidifier clean to avoid a buildup of mold, which could be harmful if inhaled.
 
For a raw nose, use petroleum jelly.
 
(Common Cold Treatment Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD