there is no cure for the common cold. the common cold is a self-limited illness that will resolve spontaneously with time. home remedies and treatments are directed at alleviating the symptoms associated with the common cold while the body fights off the infection. home treatment for the common cold includes getting rest and drinking plenty of fluids. in older children and adults over-the-counter medications such as throat lozenges throat sprays cough drops and cough syrups may help relieve symptoms though they will not prevent or shorten the duration of the common cold. gargling with warm saltwater may help those with a sore throat. decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (sudafed) or antihistamines may be used for nasal symptoms while saline nasal sprays may also be beneficial. it is important to note that over-the-counter medications may cause undesirable side effects therefore they must be taken with care. acetaminophen (tylenol and others) and ibuprofen (advil motrin) can help with fever sore throat and body aches. the treatment for infants and small children with the common cold is supportive as well. it is especially important to allow rest and encourage plenty of fluids in order to prevent dehydration. nasal drops and bulb suctioning may be used to clear nasal mucus in infants. medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be taken for pain or fever based on the package recommendations for age and weight. do not use aspirin or aspirin-containing medications in children or teenagers because it has been associated with a rare potentially fatal condition called reye's syndrome. finally over-the-counter cough and cold medications for infants and children are not recommended (see warning below). warning: the united states food and drug administration (fda) recommends that over-the-counter cough and cold medications not be used in children younger than 4 years of age because serious and potentially life-threatening side effects can occur.
what is the treatment for the common cold?