Before reaching out for those cold and flu tablets to cure your illness, pause and think. Do you really want to pack your body with chemicals that will give you a short-term relief from flu and cold? The symptoms of these illnesses generally go away on their own within 9-10 days and you don’t really need meds to treat them. But cold and flu medicines can improve your breathing only for the first 24 hours.

Some popular medications that you can do away with.

One of the more popular over the counter medications is phenylephrine but many pharmacy researchers have dismissed this drug as good as a placebo. Phenylephrine narrows down the blood vessels. The nasal passage, as a result, loses its swelling and there is an improved air flow in the upper respiratory tract. Decongestants such as phenylephrine may cause blood pressure related problems in the long run so it is better to consult your pharmacist before popping this pill into your mouth.

Many people take antihistamines to rid themselves of flu and cold but these drugs just loosen the mucus a bit and make your sleep a little more comfortably. Research on antihistamines has thrown up disappointing results. Many people do not know that cold and flu are caused by viruses and not bacteria. Taking an anti-bacterial drug will not help you feel better. Yes, certain bacteria do cause a sore throat but the medicines for this illness are different from the cold and flu meds.

Natural remedies for cold and flu.

Lozenges: Lozenges provide relief against symptoms caused by cold and flu. Most of these are made of zinc gluconate and they taste awful. Most people would prefer having a cold rather than sucking lozenges.

Steamy baths: Cold is often accompanied with a stuffy nose. Our nasal passages are blocked by the excess secretion of mucus. You can get rid of this excess mucus by having a hot and steamy bath.

Inhaling steam: Another popular and low-cost way of treating yourself from cold is inhaling steam. It has the same effect as having a hot bath. The effect of a steamy bath is magnified when a few drops of eucalyptus oil are mixed in the hot water. However, go to bed immediately after an inhaling session and drape yourself adequately in warm clothing to get the desired results.

Honey: Having a tablespoon of honey before going to bed reduces the amount of cough by 20 percent, many people have used this formula to get instant relief from cold and flu.

Cold and flu generally go away after a few days. The best treatment for these illnesses is having ample rest and sufficient hydration.

A cough is a way of reacting to any kind of allergy that a person’s immune system reacts to. When an irritant or allergic substance comes in contact with the lining of nose, throat or lungs. The constant urge to cough can be extremely irritating and cause pain in the chest. Although it is essential to visit the doctor if the problem persists for long, here are several kinds of foods that will help treat a cough.

A saltwater gargle – This one of the simplest remedies that your grandma often swears after. With amazing effects, it is no wonder that this remedy has been followed through for years now. A mixture of water and salt, this liquid soothes the itchy throat, whether caused by an allergen or even cold. Add one teaspoon of salt to a glass of water and gargle. You will instantly feel relieved.

Consume fluids – If you begin you experience an allergy cough symptom, immediately drink water so as to clear your throat. Moreover, it is necessary to keep the body well hydrated as it helps in draining the mucus that mainly causes coughing. You can also consume fluids in the form of warm broth, fruit and vegetable juices, etc.

Inhale steam – When the nasal is congested due to an allergic irritant, you are likely to suffer from repeated coughing. Relieving the congestion in the nose will help in reducing allergy cough symptoms. The easiest way to do this is to inhale steam from a pot of hot water. Place your face a little away from the pot and use a towel to prevent the steam from escaping.

Honey – Honey has been around for more than a million years and believed to be on of the best remedies to cure a cough. It is also used as the primary ingredient in several over the counter medicines that are meant to cure a cold. All you have to do is mix a tablespoon of honey with hot water and you will find that the allergy cough symptoms subside.

Thyme tea – Thyme is a herb that is widely used in treating respiratory diseases. It comes with great benefits and has culinary as well as medicinal uses. The beneficiary elements in thyme can relax the muscles of the throat and reduce the inflammation caused by allergy coughs. Boil some thyme with a cup of water and consume it after a while.

Although these remedies are great, make sure that you determine the source of the allergy and eliminate it if possible.

Have you ever pondered over the connection between your allergies and your sinus problems? You might have heard about this from your doctor but have you ever given a thought about the possible complications? Well, the truth is they are very much related. Sinuses are deep hollow pockets in the skull that are linked to the nasal passages. When certain allergens produce swelling in the mucus membranes, it can block off the sinuses. As a result of this, the air and the mucus have no way of release, and soon pressure starts building inside them. This eventually leads to pain and pressure. Over a period, this can result in chronic symptoms and can cause long term damages to the sinus cavities.

In spite of all its complications, people do not treat their allergies with all the care that they require. Almost 80% of the population still treats the allergies as a passive disease- something which they are accustomed to. This can be very harmful in the long run. Sometimes people get so habituated to it that they don’t even try medication. Only in some cases when the symptoms turn hard they might end up getting the sinus allergy medicines. Doctors, however, do not advise this method of treatment and recommend that you get evaluated and treated in the best possible way. In most of the cases, living with such allergies can develop into far more unhealthy complications. If you feel that your symptoms are getting worse and are taking time to dissolve, then do get a check-up with your doctor at the earliest. Let us look at a few medicines that can be used best for sinus allergies.

Nasal Sprays: These drugs and medications can be very beneficial in reducing the swelling in the nasal cavities. These are undoubtedly the doctor’s preference as they can be used almost by anyone. They are one of the best sinus allergy relief medicines available in the market.

OTC medicine: Apart from nasal sprays, over-the-counter (OTC) medications can be used if the symptoms are mild. These medications do not need prescriptions and can be available easily. However, if the problems persist it would be best to consult your physician.

Decongestants: If your symptoms do not go away after the initial precautions, then trying an oral decongestant can be the best option. However, do consult with your physician before taking them. Also, do not take them for more than 3 to 4 days at a time as they might have a reverse effect in some patients.

Depending on your other symptoms there are other types of medications and treatments available like eye drops and oral steroids. 

Persistent coughing can be debilitating for you. Constant coughing can cause aches in your chest muscles and impede your normal life. Read on to know about the various forms of cough treatment which are simple to administer.

Staying hydrated: Do you know that drinking lots of water and other fluids can help you overcome continuous bouts of coughing? When there is an upper respiratory tract infection like cold or flu, it causes excess secretion of postnasal fluids. These drips or fluids cause irritation at the back of your throat and cause coughing. When you drink lots of water and other fluids, it helps in thinning out the mucus in the postnasal fluids. Having adequate water and other fluids also moisturizes the mucous membrane which helps in keeping cough under control.

Hot Drinks and Lozenges: Another line of treatment is having hot drinks and lozenges. Lozenges numb the back of the throat thus suppressing coughs. Having hot coffee or tea also soothes the throat. The effect is magnified if some honey is added to your hot tea or coffee.

Taking a steamy shower: Many doctors advise their patients about taking a steamy shower to treat cough and cold. Doing so releases the secretions from the nose and this, in turn, helps ease cough from not only colds but also allergies.

Using humidifiers: The dry air inside your house may cause your nasal secretions to go dry. In such a case, use a humidifier that adds moisture to the air inside. This can help your cough but do not over humidify your air. Doctors advise that regular cleaning of the humidifier keeps viruses and bacteria away from your nose.

Get rid of irritants from the air: Do you know that perfume and spray particles can also cause cough? These substances cause extra mucus secretion that triggers coughing. This can be prevented by avoiding the use of perfumes and sprays in your bathroom or in the rest of the house. Cough is also caused by smoking. Avoiding smoking not only protects you from many respiratory diseases but also keeps lung cancer at bay.

If the above treatments don’t help you, then it is time to take the following medications.
Decongestants: These relieve your cough by shrinking the nasal tissue and reducing mucus production. Decongestants also remove the mucus from the lungs and clear up the airway passages. Don’t use these for more than 3-4 days else, they may cause rebound congestion.
Expectorants: If your cough is giving you a bad night then use expectorants. This medicine thins out the mucus which can easily be coughed out. Expectorants work best during nights. Doctors advise against administering this remedy to children below 4 years.

If you are having cough for more than a week, you must see a doctor.

Seasonal changes with their blossoming flowers can take a toll on the health of people with pollen allergies. Even though there are different types of medicines to treat the allergies, most of them result in drowsiness. As a result, many people avoid taking medications, which could lead to the allergies getting more severe. But there are medicines which will not make you drowsy.

What are the uses of non-drowsy allergy relief?
The most commonly prescribed remedy for allergy relief is loratadine, which is available under different brand names. It is a type of antihistamine, which can cure symptoms like a runny nose, watery eyes, itching, sneezing and hay fever.

Your allergist may also recommend it for relieving itchiness caused by hives. Always visit a doctor if you’re suffering from allergies to get the correct prescription and right dosage.

How to use the non-drowsy allergy relief
In case you use over-the-counter medicines for allergies, you should read the instructions and dosage very closely. If the medicine has been recommended by an expert, then it is imperative to follow the instructions. Generally, the non-drowsy allergy relief is not recommended for children below six years of age.

The dosage of OTC remedies is prescribed on the basis of your age and how your body responds to the treatment. Many people have a tendency to increase the dosage hoping that it would enhance the effectiveness of the medicine. But the results may be contrary to what you had expected. So always follow your doctor’s instructions.

Generally with these OTC remedies, the symptoms of allergy reduce. It is always advisable to consult with a doctor before taking even OTC treatments. While these are not supposed to make you feel drowsy, if you do feel sleepy after taking it you should report it to the doctor. Also, if you think that the symptoms aren’t getting better, you must report it to the doctor immediately.

What precautions should be taken before having the medicine?
Your doctor must know your full medical history before he/she prescribes anything. You must be sure to tell your doctor everything about your allergies and what causes it. This is because some medicines are known to have certain inactive ingredients, which may cause reactions in some people.

Chronic asthma management involves identifying the triggers, avoiding them and using rapid action medicines for relief. The use of long-term medication depends on the patient’s age, the symptoms, the triggers and what works best for them to keep asthma under control. The long-term medication generally is a drug taken daily. These help in keeping asthma under control on a day to day basis which reduces the risks of periodic flare-ups. Inhaled corticosteroids that are based on fluticasone, mometasone or beclomethasone are anti-inflammatory drugs. Their use has to be for several days to weeks. The advantage of these is lesser side effects in the long-term use. Combination inhalers are combinations of corticosteroids and a long-acting beta agonist. The beta agonist may increase the risk of severe attacks. Always consult your doctor before starting any medication.

In addition to doctor-prescribed medicines, you can always follow certain home-based natural treatments on the sideline. Cloves have been known to provide relief from chronic coughing. Boil 4-5 cloves in one glass of water. Add a teaspoon of honey and drink this solution twice daily. Ginger is another natural remedy that acts against ailments of the lungs. Soak two tablespoons of dried fenugreek seeds overnight. Take a spoonful of this the water residue and mix in one tablespoon of ginger juice and one tablespoon of honey. Have this solution every morning to get relief from asthma. Or you can make a juice with equal quantities of pomegranate and ginger. Add honey and have the juice daily.

Caffeine has been known to help alleviating asthma.  It clears the air passage. have a cup of black tea or coffee. Make sure that you do not consume too much as it may lead to acidity in the stomach. You can also add ginger and honey to your black tea for added benefits and some flavor.

Beyond these, asthma cough treatment also includes quick acting short-term medicines. These are short-acting beta agonists. These inhaled medicines are long and rapid-acting bronchodilators and ease the symptoms in minutes. If one has asthma flare-up, a quick-relief inhaler can be handy and very useful. This should be rare if your daily control drugs are working well. Therefore, it is important to maintain a record of the frequency and the number of puffs of the inhaler one takes in a week. If the use of inhalers is more than what your doctor has recommended, then he should be informed. A flexible treatment plan based on symptom severity will help attain an active lifestyle.

Have a runny nose, an itchy eye, and the irritating sensation of not being able to sneeze? The pollen count will be on the rise as the weather warms up every day. The warmth and humid weather after a bout of colder months bring you comfort as well as the dreadful. Yes, allergies!

To get relief from pollen allergies, either you can rely on your GP’s prescription of antihistamines or you can try out some pollen allergy remedies. When it comes to home remedies for allergies, you hear a lot about the local raw honey preventing them. Honey is believed to be effective because the regular intake of the local pollen helps build up our immunity. There are plenty of other remedies as well that you can try at home to relieve you from the common symptoms of seasonal pollen allergies.

Nettle-peppermint tea
Usually, nettle has a negative image. However, it’s one of the most incredible herbs you can use once you add it to your regular stock. From relieving dreaded arthritis to lowering your blood pressure to acting as pollen allergy remedies, they perform a wide variety of functions. Peppermint has luteolin-7-O-rutinoside, which is a type of flavonoid that can prevent the activity and secretion of anti-inflammatory enzymes such as histamines.

Bee pollen
If the local honey isn’t doing the trick for you, you should go for bee pollen. Start with small amounts and gradually increase their dosage daily. This will help build up your immunity to the pollen in the area. We all know that getting exposed to germs and bacteria during the childhood is vital to developing an immune system. Same way, here we expose ourselves to allergens before the allergy season; so our immune system doesn’t take a blow when the air fills up with pollen. However, you need to be cautious while taking this remedy and must do so only after consultation with a doctor.

Refreshing citrus drink
Many allergies peak in the summer when the temperature starts to increase. Hence, they happen to coincide with warm, sunny days when we want to enjoy by frolicking in the outdoor activities. As healing as tea is, sometimes we just need that cold, refreshing drink at our side. This citrus-filled drink is abundant in vitamin C, which can provide relief from pollen allergies, thanks to its incredible ability to nourish our immune system. This is particularly beneficial because your immune system tends to suffer when the pollen allergies affect you.

Red onion water
Onions have a water-soluble chemical compound called quercetin in them, which has been demonstrated in studies to reduce the amount of histamine produced in the body, therefore reducing the symptoms of allergies. It is, essentially, nature’s best version of an anti-histamine. Quercetin itself has also been shown to prevent inflammation. It also acts as a bronchodilator, opening up airways and helping you breathe easier.

Sinus drainage treatments usually include excessive use of prescribed antibiotics along with techniques like nebulization, humidification, and the like. While these are the tried and tested medical sinus drainage treatments, many people rely on natural relief remedies including nasal irrigation, taking steams, and applying compresses. Apart from these home remedies, many sinus patients believe in eating foods that help relieve sinus symptoms and allow drainage. Here’s a list of the diet that can be incorporated to make sinus drainage treatments effective.

Pineapple
This food is known to be rich in antioxidants that help the delicate mucous membranes from any damage. Pineapple also contains enzymes that help break the congestion in the sinuses and reduces inflammation.

Peppers
Hot spices and peppers are known to clear the sinuses by giving them enough heat and effectively reducing pain and inflammation. While having peppers is one of the most trusted sinus drainage treatments, it is required that you do so in moderation.

Garlic
Onion and garlic are two effective components in the diet that help stimulate the sinus pathways. By incorporating these two elements in the diet, you can get quick relief to pain and inflammation. Apart from being one of the most useful foods that can be used in sinus drainage treatments, crushed and cut garlic has antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Probiotics
Fermented foods that contain enough bacteria help keep inflammation, fungi, and bacteria at bay. Vegans too can choose products that have enough probiotics including pickles, coconut yogurt, probiotic drinks, and the like.

Have foods rich in antioxidants
Since oxidation is known to contribute to chronic sinusitis adversely, it is important that you consume enough antioxidants so that the mucous membranes stay protected from radical damage. Fruits and vegetables like kiwi, berries, pumpkin, spinach, and the like help relieve sinus.

Turmeric
Quite like ginger, turmeric is an effective spice that has several health benefits including sinusitis relief. You can add turmeric to curries or water to effectively relieve your symptoms.

Try to be dairy-free
People with a tendency of sinusitis should avoid dairy as dairy products tend to thicken the mucus and facilitate microbial growth.

Tea
Warm, milk-less, herbal teas often help keep the nose moisten and carries the mucus away. Some of the common herbal teas that help relieve congestion include ginger, chamomile, holy basil, peppermint, and the like.

Chicken soup
The home-made chicken broth is one of the most popular sinus drainage treatments that is known to relieve congestion from all sinus points, chest, and even the upper respiratory system. A dash of pepper in the chicken soup can help alleviate symptoms of sinusitis.