Cold not going away? You might be making these 5 mistakes
If you are sniffling as you read this, you
are not alone. We are in the middle of the flu season and it is not
uncommon to find people sniffling and coughing all around. With sneezing
co-workers and germ-laden rides on the public transport, even the
slightest tickle in your throat could be a sign that you are coming down
with a cold.
Check for these 5 mistakes-
According to the National Institute of
Allergy and Infectious Diseases, a typical common cold lasts about 7 to
10 days. However, it is not always the case. There are times you might
be stuck with a lingering case of sniffles. If you too are tired of the
runny nose and the raspy cough, check for these five mistakes.
Your sleep cycle has gone for a toss
A lot of people ignore the importance of
catching a goodnight’s sleep. However thanks to our increasingly busy
lifestyle, it gets really difficult to get enough rest. If you are
battling a nagging case of cold, maybe you need to give your body enough
time to recover. Make it a point to hit the sheets on time every night
and keep the gadgets away. You need to rest to fight the cold.
You're not eating well
When you feel down and out, it is natural to
reach out for comfort food. However instead of reaching out for chips
and chocolates, when you are coughing, stick to a balanced diet. Sweets
are known to aggravate the symptoms of cold and cough as they can
suppress the immune system.
You're taking antibiotics
It
is important to understand that antibiotics only work on diseases which
are caused by bacteria. The common cold, on the other hand, is caused
by viruses and antibiotics do not affect them.
If you feel that your cold has progressed into another serious infection like the chest infection, it is still strongly advisable to consult a doctor before popping any pill. Remember, if you take antibiotics when your body does not need it, you may also develop antibiotic resistance.
If you feel that your cold has progressed into another serious infection like the chest infection, it is still strongly advisable to consult a doctor before popping any pill. Remember, if you take antibiotics when your body does not need it, you may also develop antibiotic resistance.
You're too stressed
If you are constantly on your toes and
trying really hard to balance your work and life, it could be wreaking
havoc on your immune system. When you are really stressed, your body is
not able to battle the viruses that cause the common cold.
You're not drinking enough water
Thanks to the over-the-counter medications,
running nose and fever, your body loses a lot of fluid when you catch a
cold and cough. Hence, it is important to drink plenty of water to help
the body flush out the toxins. It also helps in lubrication of mucus
present in your nose.