Types of Cold - Causes, Symptoms & Home Remedies

Vicks VapoRub contains camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, all of which play a major role in providing multi-symptom relief. If you have a blocked nose, you can use Vicks Inhaler for the relief from nasal congestion. Another way to relieve a blocked nose or dry cough is to add two teaspoonful of Vicks VapoRub to hot water (not boiling) and inhale the vapors. This will help with providing relief from nasal congestion. But it is advised to not use Vicks VapoRub with an electric steam inhaler. This method can be used by adults and children above the age of six. You can also massage VapoRub on your chest, head, and neck to get relief from blocked nose, breathing difficulty, dry cough headache, body ache and muscular stiffness due to cold . Adults and children above the age of two can use this technique. Moreover, it is advisable to read the label before you use it. Visit your doctor immediately if the following cough and cold symptoms persist for over a week:

• blocked nose
• breathing difficulty
• cough
• headache
• muscle stiffness
• body ache due to cold

Did a blocked nose surface unannounced? You can stay prepared to tackle this nuisance by arming yourself with a Vicks Inhaler, which is a compact, effective, and economical way of getting quick relief from a blocked nose. In fact, it offers fast and ‘mobile’ relief from the nasal blockage caused by cold. You can use the Vicks Inhaler as often as needed. All you have to do is inhale the medicated vapours through one nostril while holding the other one closed. Ensure that you inhale it deeply to make breathing feel clear and cool.

Vicks Action 500 Advanced contains Paracetamol, Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride and Caffeine Anhydrous that provides relief from headache, dry cough, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat pain, and body aches. You can take one tablet every four to six hours and it should not exceed four doses in 24 hours. In case the symptoms persist, visit your physician immediately and do not forget to read the label before using.

Now that you are well acquainted with how Vicks VapoRub and Vicks Action 500 Advanced help get rid of cold, let’s take a look at the different types of cold, their symptoms, and the other natural remedies for cold.

Understanding the different types of cold makes it easier for you to choose appropriate remedies to treat it.

A common cold

Common cold symptoms

• Cough
• Blocked nose
• Muscle stiffness
• Breathing difficulties
• Body aches
• Low-grade fever
• Post-nasal drip
• Headache
• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Sore throat
• Stuffy nose or nasal congestion ^{3, 4}

Flu

Symptoms of flu

• Congested or runny nose
• A sore throat and a cough
• Headaches or body aches
• Chills and shivering
• Fatigue
• Vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea (especially in children)⁶

Trachea cold

This type of cold, also known as bacterial tracheitis, is collateral damage caused by the common cold. Trachea cold usually affects children and causes a high-pitch sound when they breathe. Trachea cold is a sign of underlying serious infection and partial airway obstruction. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria can cause this type of cold. Other bacteria that can cause this type of cold include Streptococcus Pneumonia, Hemophilic Influenza, Moraxella catarrhalis.⁷

Symptoms of trachea cold

• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Repetitive sneezing
• Wheezing
• Nasal flaring
• High fever
• Deep severe cough ⁸

Chest cold (lung cold)

This type of cold occurs when the airways of the lungs swell and produce mucus in the lungs. This is what makes you cough uncontrollably. Chest cold, also known as acute bronchitis, tends to last for less than three weeks. Chest cold is usually caused by a virus and follows an upper respiratory infection.⁹

Symptoms of a chest cold

• Mild body aches
• Sore throat
• Mild headache
• Fatigue
• Soreness in the chest
• Coughing with or without mucus ¹⁰

Honey

Traditional medicines make use of honey to treat cold and its various symptoms. Since honey possesses several antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, it is used to treat the symptoms of a cold.¹¹ Whether it is a common cold or cold caused by the flu, drinking honey in tea with lemon can ease the cold symptoms and provide relief.

Chicken soup

First things first, do not starve to get rid of your cold! Instead, prepare a bowl of tantalizing chicken soup, as it is one of the oldest natural remedies for cold. Research has proven that a bowl of chicken soup with vegetables does a commendable job of slowing the movement of neutrophils that are a common type of white blood cells. These are instrumental in protecting your body from infections. A bowl of delicious chicken soup will reduce the symptoms of upper respiratory infections with ease.¹²

Over-the-counter medicines (OTC medicines)

OTC medicines for viral cold have proven quite effective. OTC medications for treating cold mostly include nasal sprays and tablets that ease the symptoms of a common cold and flu and offer instant feeling of relief.¹³

Humidifier

Dry environments are quite conducive for spreading the flu. So, to create more humidity and reduce your exposure to this virus, add a cool mist humidifier to your bedroom. You can also consider adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to it to stimulate your breathing.Now that you are well acquainted with the common causes of colds and the various effective remedies to treat it, do not ignore it if the symptoms continue to persist. Visit your doctor immediately in case the symptoms worsen.