Brief Answer:
symptomwise approach

Detailed Answer:
Dear
Thanks for contacting Ayurveda with your health concern and following is recommended guidelines:

1. The symptoms which you have described indicate towards "common cold" and most of the time is self limiting (usially clear up in 2 weeks) and require only symptomatic treatment.

2. Since common cold involves first the upper respiratory tract (nose, pharynx, throat) and if not resolved approach the lower respiratory tract (bronchi) thus one may have to consult a chest specialist (chest xray) or ENT Doctor (sinus and throat examination) for further necessary investigation(s)

PS. Do let me know whether cough is dry or productive.

3. One must exclude any susceptible condition which might be causing late recovering from the disease, like:
. Stress, poor nutrition, fatigue/overwork, smoking, living in overcrowded conditions?

PS. As these condition may lead to secondary bacterial infection like: middle ear infection, bronchitis, sinus infection or strept. throat.

4. Usually in common cold I don't prescribe antibiotics since the body immune system will make antibodies to fight throat the infection, thus

. Drink plenty of fluids ( every 2-3 hours), voice rest
. Diet low in carbohydrates and more of fresh fruits an vegetables
. Vitamin C & Zinc tablets
. semi solid or liquid diet, warm water gargle, Use of humidifier.
. Avoid cold drinks, cold water
. Take: soft food- soft rice with milk, plain daal, boiled vegetables.

More importantly practice: (you & family members)
. frequent washing of hands
. covering the mouth and nose while sneezing
. avoid close contact with infected persons
. not sharing personnel utensils/instrument

Dr.Munish Sood
Consultant & Physician
Naimittika

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