When a cold virus attacks the mucous membranes in our nose, the body wants to prevent the cold virus spreading. As the membranes fill with blood, the mucous builds up as the body tries to activate it's defenses.
Actually, you don't have to have caught a cold to cough, sneeze or have a runny nose - it can, of course, also be an allergic reaction.
Blocked noses can benefit from nose drops or a nose spray. The effect should last the whole day and there are also nose sprays suitable for children, be sure to ask the advise of your pharmacist when buy over-the-counter medications. Nose sprays shouldn't be used for more than about a week before seeking the advise of your doctor.
Do use soft tissues. You will wipe your nose many times a day and therefore the skin will become sensitive and even chapped if your tissues are too rough. Buy the softest you can find and throw them away after each use so the germs don't get a chance to spread.
Vicks Vapor Rub is a truely effective salve that you can rub into the chest before bedtime. I use this religiously to help get my children off to sleep when they are suffering from cold. If the sufferer does not have a fever, a warm steamy bath or shower can also help ease congestion.
Sleeping at night can be helped when the head is raised up onto high pillows. This eases the congestions on the nasal passages. So don't forget those extra pillows.
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As seen in Oprah’s Magazine!