Discover evidence-based home remedies for cough and cold, including honey, saline spray, fluids and humidification, plus important precautions.
Most coughs and common colds are caused by viruses and improve with time. Home care cannot instantly cure the infection, but several simple measures can reduce congestion, throat irritation and coughing while the immune system does its work.
Rest and regular fluids are the foundation of recovery. Water, soup and warm drinks can prevent dehydration and soothe an irritated throat. A clean cool-mist humidifier may help when indoor air is dry, while saline nasal drops or spray can loosen mucus and ease a blocked nose.
Honey may reduce coughing in adults and children aged one year or older. It can be taken alone or mixed into a warm drink. Honey must never be given to babies under 12 months because of the risk of infant botulism.
Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke, which can worsen respiratory symptoms. Antibiotics do not treat an uncomplicated viral cold and should only be taken when prescribed for a suspected or confirmed bacterial infection.
Precautions
Seek medical advice if symptoms persist for more than about 10 days, improve and then worsen, or are accompanied by persistent fever. Urgent assessment is needed for breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, bluish lips or signs of dehydration. Young children, older adults and people with chronic heart, lung or immune conditions may need earlier medical evaluation.
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