| How to Deal With Mean Comments on the Internet Posted: 29 Oct 2016 05:00 PM PDT If you text, use email, instant messaging, or social media, you know how easy it is to receive mean comments. Unfortunately, cyberbullying is common in today's society and can leave you feeling angry, sad, hurt, or isolated. You can deal with mean comments on the internet if you address one-time comments, report cyberbullying, and take care of your feelings. - Take a cyber-break. Sometimes taking a break from being online is the best way to deal with mean comments on the internet.[1] Staying online makes it more likely that you will look at the comment repeatedly and get more upset. It also makes it more likely that you will respond to the comment, which isn't a good idea.
- Close the app or walk away from your device so that you can think about how you want to deal with it and so that you can calm down.
- Do something else like taking a walk or reading a book to distract yourself for a little while.
- Keep the comments in perspective. You can deal with mean comments by thinking about who is posting the comments and why they might be doing it.[2] Although some people are actually trying to be mean, some comments may be meant to be funny or, perhaps, they are just worded wrong but the intentions aren't bad.
- Look at the sender. The person may not even know you. You're probably "friends" with people on SnapChat and Instagram that you don't ever talk to in real life and may not have even met.
- Could it be interpreted differently? For example, a comment from your best friend about a picture you posted that says 'you look awful lol' could just be his way of teasing you.
- If it's a comment on social media, think about whether it's possible the sender didn't mean to make the comment public.
- For example, did your friend that is new to Snapchat post a Snap publicly that they meant to send as a private message?
- Remove the comments. If you are sure this a one-time or random event, then deal with the mean comment by deleting it or removing It from your page. Once it's gone, you don't have to see it anymore or risk anyone else seeing it and making a bigger deal out of it.
- Most sites and apps make it easy to remove a comment that has been posted. Usually you can click 'help' and find instructions for removing a comment.
- If it's a Facebook comment, click the 'X' in the top right corner of the post and press "Remove Post".
- SnapChat posts are automatically deleted after 24 hours.
- You can delete an Instagram comment by tapping it and then holding it. A 'trash' icon will appear in the top right corner that you can click to delete the comment.
- Talk to the sender in private. If the comment is from someone you know, you can deal with it by telling the person how you feel. The sender may not realize that their comment was mean or that it hurt your feelings. Talking to them in private may convince them to stop.[3]
- Tell them the comment bothered you. Try saying, "The message you sent me really hurt my feelings. I know you may not have meant for it to. But, please don't send me anything like that again."
- Explain that the comments could lead to false rumors being spread or unneeded drama between friends. For example, you might say, "What you posted could be misinterpreted in a bad way."
- If the comments are on social media and they are about something you would rather not discuss on the internet, then explain that to the person.
- You could say, "I really don't want everyone to know about that. Next time, please just call me or send me a private message."
- Talk to an adult you trust. If you are a child, pre-teen, or teenager and the mean comment is from an adult, you should tell another adult. You should also talk to an adult if the comment bothers you so bad that you can't sleep, or your eating habits change, or you feel bad about yourself for a while.
- Immediately tell an adult like your parent, teacher, coach, or religious leader if another adult posts something mean, untrue, or scary about you or to you.
- For example, you could tell your coach, "Coach, a grown-up posted a comment about me on Facebook that really hurt my feelings and made me feel bad about myself."
- You could talk to your dad by saying, "A while ago someone posted a comment about me that was mean. I tried to ignore it, but it still really bothers me."
- Adults can help you with things like figuring out who the person is (if you don't know), how to make sure they don't do it again, and how to help you with how you feel about it.
- Don't feed trolls. Posting negative comments, or trolling, is a way for some people to gain recognition and sometimes it is just something they do to entertain themselves. If you are dealing with someone who often posts negative comments online for you or other people, then this person might be an internet troll. Internet trolls can be anonymous posters, or even people who are part of your social network.[4] The best thing to do if you are dealing with a troll is to avoid giving that person the attention they are seeking.
- Don't respond to the person in any way, whether you are going to say something positive, negative, or neutral. Responding (or feeding) the troll will only cause that person to feel noticed and want to continue the abusive commenting.[5] Ignore the comment and move on with your day.
- Try taking a few deep breaths to calm down and then distract yourself with something pleasant, such as a video, an interesting article, or something offline, such as the view outside of your window.
EditAddressing Cyberbullying - Document the comment. Sometimes comments cross the line between mean and bullying. If the comments get sexually graphic, violent, threatening, humiliating or if the same person (or people) posts lots of mean comments about you, then it is cyberbullying.[6] You should save some form of evidence of it so that you can report it.
- If the comment references race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or disabilities it can be considered discrimination.[7]
- People often go back and delete mean comments they post on social media, so document the comment as soon as you see it.
- Take a screenshot of the comment. Try to make sure you get the time, date, and sender's name in the shot.
- Keep a journal documenting where the comment was posted, what exactly it said or showed, who sent it, etc.
- Don't post a response. Even though you may want to retaliate, stand up for yourself, or defend yourself in a reply post, it's not a good idea. Responding to a cyberbully might make you feel better for a minute or two, but in the end, it will only make things worse.[8]
- The person wants a response from you and will probably use anything you post in response as a way to harass you even more.
- A response from you could bring extra attention to the situation and upset you even more.
- Write what you would post in response to the comment in your journal or in an email to yourself, instead.
- Report the comments. Telling someone of authority like the site administrators or even a teacher is the best way to deal with cyber-bullying.[9] They will be able to help you make the bully stop leaving mean comments (even if the person sends them anonymously).
- If you are a child or teen, tell an adult like your parent or teacher about the comments. They can help you handle the situation and report it to the right people.
- Make sure you send or show them your documentation of the comment. It will make it easier and quicker to stop the bully.
- Some social networking sites have places like Facebook's 'Safety Center' where you can report cyberbullying.
- If the comment threatens something physical or sexual you should also report it to the police.
- Change your privacy settings. Consider setting your email, messaging, and social media accounts up so that only people you know (or no one) can leave comments without you reviewing them first. Doing this will make it harder for the cyberbully to contact you and leave mean comments.[10]
- If possible, block the person that has been cyberbullying you. This may mean deleting them as an online 'friend'. Check with the site or app for specific directions on doing this.
- Send their email messages directly to your 'spam' or 'trash' folder or use your email provider's block feature.
EditHandling Your Feelings - Use meditation as a coping technique. Even if it is just one comment, a mean post on the internet can be stressful and hurt your feelings or make you feel bad about yourself. Using coping techniques like meditation can help you deal with the effects the mean comments are having on you.[11]
- Sit or lie somewhere comfortable and allow your body to relax as much as possible.
- Focus your mind on your breathing or on relaxing your body more. You may want to focus on a phrase or word like "Calm" or "I am relaxed".
- You can use meditation when a mean comment has you extra stressed, as well as practice it regularly to improve your health and well-being overall.
- Try deep-breathing. Controlling and slowing your breathing can help you when you are feeling anxious or upset about a mean comment.[12]
- Inhale slowly through your nose. Try to feel the breath all the way to your belly.
- Hold it for a few seconds, then slowly exhale through your mouth.
- Repeat this as many times as you need to. Try to take longer to inhale, hold it for longer, and take longer to exhale with each breathe.
- Express how you feel. Mean comments can affect you when you read them, as well as for a while after that. You may feel betrayed, angry, depressed, confused, or sad. Don't ignore how you are feeling. The best way to deal with the way the comments make you feel is to acknowledge it.
- Talk to someone close to you about how the comments make you feel and why they make you feel this way.
- "You might say, "Someone left a mean comment on my page and it really made me feel bad. Can I talk to you about it?"
- Write about how you feel in your journal. Write down each feeling and why you think the comment made you feel this way. Write about how you can feel better.
- Talk to someone like a parent, religious leader, or therapist if the comments are causing you to become depressed, lose sleep or affect your eating habits.
- Focus on the positive about yourself. Don't let the bully win by beating yourself up or believing the comments.[13] Instead, deal with the mean comments by thinking about all the good things about you and the positive things in your life.
- Make a list of all the positive things about you. Include things about your personality, skills and talents you have.
- Look over your list frequently, but make a special effort to look over it after you receive a mean comment. This will help you deal with the comment without feeling bad about yourself.
- Look at the nice and positive comments that people have sent you on the internet. Add any words they use to your list.
- Use positive self-talk with yourself. It can be easy to start believing what the mean comments say and to start using negative self-talk like, "I AM stupid" or "I must be ugly". Protect your self-esteem and your feelings by using positive self-talk to protect your feelings.[14]
- Any time you notice that you have thought something negative about yourself, immediately tell yourself the thought wasn't true and remind yourself how great you are.
- For example, you might say to yourself, "These comments aren't true. I am a good person, people like me, and I like myself."
- Go offline. It'll be much easier to deal with mean comments on the internet if you aren't always on the online.[15] So, turn your electronic device off and do something that you enjoy or to improve yourself. You'll handle your feelings about being cyberbullied better if you do.
- Spend time with friends and family in-person instead of online. They can help you deal with the mean comments, have fun, and feel better about yourself.
- Do something active like going for a bike ride, taking a hike, or doing martial arts. It will give you time away from the internet and support your health.
- Take a class or volunteer in your community. You'll have the chance to meet new positive people as well as improve yourself or your community.
- Don't give out personal information on the internet.
- If the comments turn into a situation where your safety is being threatened, you need to tell authorities.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
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| How to Stop Coughing Using Home and Natural Remedies Posted: 29 Oct 2016 01:00 AM PDT While coughing may seem like an annoyance, it actually serves a purpose. Coughing is a natural reflex that protects your lungs by clearing your airways of lung irritants, such as smoke and mucus (a slimy substance). Coughing happens when the nerve endings in your airways, tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs, become irritated. But, coughing can signal a larger health issue. If you have an acute cough that lasts less than 3 weeks, it may be caused by the common cold or other respiratory infections, such as flu or whooping cough. If your cough lasts more than 8 weeks, it's considered chronic and may be caused by asthma, bronchitis or stomach acid reflux, which can irritate the throat and lungs, causing coughing fits.[1][2][3] EditUsing Herbal Remedies - Consider oil pulling. Oil pulling is an Ayurvedic remedy in which you swish oil in your mouth to remove harmful germs and bacteria from your mouth. Use organic, cold-pressed oil like vegetable, sesame, olive, or coconut oil. Take a spoonful of oil and swish it in your mouth for one minute to gain the benefits. If you can, try to swish the oil for 15-20 minutes. To make sure the oil absorbs and detoxifies as much bacteria as possible, aim to do this with an empty stomach. Spit it out and rinse your mouth with lukewarm water.[4]
- These contain lipids that absorb toxins and pull them out of saliva. They also stop cavity-causing bacteria from sticking to the walls of your teeth. This is a natural moisturizer that also helps prevent dehydration in the throat and mouth, which can ease the symptoms of a cough.
- Take elderberry extract. Elderberry is commonly used to treat coughs, sore throats and respiratory illnesses because of its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. It also stimulates the immune system. You can buy Elderberry extract as a syrup, lozenge or dietary capsule supplement at most nutrition or drug stores. Or, you can steep 3-5 grams of dried elder flower in a cup of boiling water for ten to fifteen minutes. Then, drink it as a herbal tea, up to 3 times per day. Consider the following precautions:[5]
- It's better to take elderberry every 2 to 3 days, since prolonged use isn't recommended.
- Elderberry is a blood thinner and may not be recommended for people with low blood pressure.
- Do not use unripe or uncooked elderberries since they may be poisonous.
- Speak to your doctor before taking elderberry, since it may have some side effects for pregnant women, people with autoimmune disease, and people taking diabetic medication, laxatives, chemotherapy drugs, or immunosuppressants.
- Use peppermint. You can buy peppermint in the form of lozenges, extracts used in dietary supplements, herbal teas, essential oils and a fresh herb. Don't forget that you can use the fresh leaves as a garnish or flavouring in everyday meals. You can also make and drink your own teak up to 3 times a day by steeping one tea bag (approx. 3-4 grams or 1 ½ teaspoon) of dried peppermint leaves in a cup of hot water (80–85°C).[6]
- Peppermint contains menthol, which can help soothe sore throats and dry coughs. It's also a decongestant that can thin mucus and help break up phlegm.
- Don't use peppermint or menthol with infants. Also, don't take peppermint oil orally. Instead, it's usually used in aromatherapy or as a rub.
- Use eucalyptus. You can buy eucalyptus as lozenges, cough syrups, and vapor baths at most drug stores to help soothe sore throats. Try applying topical eucalyptus ointments to your nose and chest to relieve congestion and loosen phlegm. It's generally safe for adults to apply eucalyptus to the skin. Or, you make eucalyptus tea to drink up to 3 times a day by steeping 2–4 grams of dried eucalyptus leaves in a cup of hot water for 10–15 minutes.[7]
- Eucalyptus' active ingredient is a compound called cineole, which works as an expectorant to fight respiratory infections and alleviate coughs. Eucalyptus also has antioxidant properties that protect against free radicals, molecules that can damage and infect cells.
- You can also gargle eucalyptus water after meals to reduce bad breath and sooth your throat. Do this up to 3 or 4 times a day by steeping 2–4 grams of dried leaves in one cup warm water (40°C) for 5-10 minutes.
- Eat honey. You've probably heard that tea sweetened with honey can help a sore throat, but eating pure honey can actually stop a cough. Eat 2 teaspoons of honey during a bad coughing spell or right before bed. Studies have shown that consuming honey before sleeping can actually improve sleep quality.[8][9]
- Never give honey to a child under 2 years old. It can cause botulism, a type of food poisoning that is potentially life-threatening in small children.[10]
- Use ginger. Ginger can help you produce mucous and relieve coughing. You can steep fresh ginger in hot water to make a tea, chew on crystallized ginger, or add a few teaspoons of ground powdered ginger to 1 tablespoon of honey and eat it.[11]
- Ginger can also calm any upset stomach or nausea you may also have. Repeat any of these treatments several times throughout the day to prevent coughing fits and ease symptoms.
- Try thyme. Thyme is used to treat bronchitis and coughing. It's also gentle enough that it's safe for small children to use.[12] For a great combination of remedies, make a honey thyme tea. Steep 3 springs of fresh thyme and 2 tablespoons of honey in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink to stop coughing.[13]
- Never eat or drink thyme oil, which is toxic when taken orally.[14]
- If you are currently taking blood-thinners, talk to your doctor before taking thyme, since it could increase the risk of bleeding.[15]
- Consider other natural herbs. While many home remedies have been backed up by studies showing their effectiveness at treating coughs, many still lack scientific support. You might give them a try, but understand that some may be more effective for you than others. These include traditional remedies that are commonly known for their helpful healing properties:[16]
- Marshmallow (Althea officinalis)
- Slippery elm (Ulmus fulva)
- Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
- Mullein (Verbascum densiflorum)
- Sundew (Drosera spp.)
- Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)
EditImproving Your Diet - Drink lots of water. Try to drink at least eight ounces of water every two hours. 2 litres of water is the daily recommendation for the average adult. You can also supplement with glucose-free sports drinks that have electrolytes. If you drink caffeinated beverages, you should also drink 1 litre of water for every cup (1 fluid oz.) of caffeine.[17]
- Water helps ease congestion caused by colds, preventing postnasal drip that can irritate the throat, and keeps your throat from drying which can cause coughs.
- Not getting enough water can also lead to dehydration which can cause headaches, irritability, dizziness, irregular heartbeat and shortness of breath.
- Avoid inflammatory foods. Certain foods can slow down your body's healing process, impair the immune system and increase inflammation. They may also cause gastroesophageal acid reflux, which can make your cough worse. Try to cut back on or avoid these foods:[18]
- Refined carbohydrates such as white bread, pastries and donuts.
- Fried foods
- Sugar-sweetened beverages such as soda or energy drinks.
- Red meat such as veal, ham or steak and processed meats such as hot dogs.
- Margarine, shortening and lard.
- Eat a Mediterranean diet. Some foods can help reduce inflammation to help ease a sore throat. If your cough is caused by stomach acid reflux, try eat more green vegetables, whole grains, nuts and oil. You may want to cut back on eating fruits with citric acid, since they may trigger gastroesophageal acid reflux which aggravates your throat. Switch to a Mediterranean diet. It mostly consists of foods that help reduce inflammation, like:[19]
- Fruits (such as strawberries, cherries and oranges.)
- Nuts (like almonds and walnuts.)
- Green leafy vegetables (such as spinach or kale which are high in antioxidants.)
- Fatty fish (like salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines.)
- Whole grains (such as brown rice, quinoa, millet, oatmeal and flax seed.)
- Olive or canola oil
- Add more Vitamin C to your diet. If your cough is a symptom of a cold or viral infection, strengthen your immunity to help your body heal faster and avoid future risks of infection. Research has shown that vitamin C plays a vital role as an antioxidant and in promoting immune function, lowering risk of various chronic diseases. You can take Vitamin C as a dietary supplement, or you can add vitamin-C rich foods to your diet. Good natural sources of vitamin C are:[20]
- Sweet red or green peppers
- Citrus fruit such as oranges, pomelo, grapefruit, limes or non-concentrated citrus juices.
- Spinach, broccoli and brussel sprouts
- Strawberries and raspberries
- Tomatoes
- Take probiotics. Probiotics are microorganisms that are naturally found in your digestive system and certain foods. Studies have shown that they can help reduce the severity of cold or flu symptoms, like cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion. They can also reduce the length of your recovery period. You can get probiotics from yogurt, certain types of milk, soy products and as dietary supplements.[21]
- Talk with your doctor before taking probiotics if you have a weakened immune system or are currently taking immunosuppressant drugs.
- Probiotics also help boost the production of cells that fight infections and suppress stomach acid reflux.
- Use oral coconut oil. Coconut oil has antibacterial and antiviral properties. 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, three times per day will often shorten a cold or flu to last only 1 to two days when otherwise it would have lasted 8 or 10 days. [22]
- Take zinc. Zinc is an essential trace mineral found in many foods you eat on a regular basis. It has antioxidant properties that help protect cells in the body from damage caused by bacteria and viruses, prevent future infection and strengthen the immune system. You can take a daily dose of 10 - 15 mg of zinc in a supplement, like zinc sulfate. Or you can get it from a healthy diet. The best dietary sources of zinc include:[23]
- Oysters, shellfish, shrimp, crab
- Red meats
- Poultry
- Cheese
- Beans, sunflower seeds
- Pumpkin
- Tofu and miso
- Mushrooms
- Cooked greens
EditMaking Lifestyle Changes - Get plenty of rest. Your body needs sleep to heal itself. Studies show that sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system, increase the production of stress hormones, put you at higher risk for chronic disease and lower life expectancy. If you suffer from sleep apnea or insomnia, talk to your doctor for possible treatments. If you have a cold or nasal congestion, try to lie on the side that is least congested to breathe comfortably and allow the mucus to drain. To get plenty of rest, you can also:[24][25]
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol and sugary foods 4-6 hours before heading to bed. These can act as stimulants to keep you awake.
- Create a regular sleep schedule by going to bed early and waking up early to set your body's internal clock. This will make sure you get better quality and consistent sleep. If you can't fall asleep after 20 minutes, get out of bed, go to another room and do something relaxing until you are tired enough to sleep.
- Melatonin (1 to 3 mg) and/or 1 to 2 Valerian capsules may also be helpful to fall asleep.
- If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea—frequently interrupted breathing during sleep— ask your doctor for treatment options. Your doctor may recommend surgery or CPAP.[26] CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is a common therapy for sleep apnea which uses a small machine to supply constant and steady air pressure, a hose, and a mask or nose piece. Some CPAP devices come with a heated humidifier to help with a dry, stuffy nose.
- Create a relaxing sleep environment. Make sure your room is well-ventilated, quiet, dark, cool environment (between 65 - 75 degrees). Use heavy curtains or an eye mask to block light, a powerful cue that tells the brain that it's time to wake up. Improve airflow and keep mucus flowing by propping your head up on a pillow.[27] The pillow should support the natural curve of your neck and be comfortable. Place a firm pillow between your knees and pull your knees up slightly toward your chest if you sleep on your side. This will prevent your upper leg from pulling your spine out of alignment and reduce stress on your hips and lower back.
- Avoid sleeping on your stomach, since this can block breathing, promote acid reflux and cause stress.
- Avoid working or exercise 3–4 hours before going to bed. Physically and psychologically stressful activities can make the body to secrete the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol may increase your alertness. In this context it is interesting to note that melatonin counters the effects of cortisol.
- Try listening to relaxing music or doing some light reading a few hours before sleeping. Regular, moderate exercise, especially in the afternoon, can help deepen sleep.
- Gargle salt water. Place ½ teaspoon of sea salt in a glass of distilled or sterilized warm (30-35ºC) water. Stir until it's dissolved. Gargle the water for 1–2 minutes, then spit it out instead of swallowing. If the salt irritates your mouth or throat, you can also use plain, distilled warm water for gargles. Repeat gargling every few hours.[28][29]
- This helps ease a sore throat and moisturizes your sinuses. This lets mucus drain and prevents postnasal drip that can trigger coughs.
- Blow your nose properly. Experts recommended that you blow by holding a finger over one nostril and gently blowing the other into a tissue. Don't blow too forcefully since the pressure from blowing hard can impact your ears, giving you an earache on top of your cold. Be sure to blow gently, and only as often as necessary. Wash your hands each time you blow your nose, to avoid chances of other infections from bacteria or viruses.[30]
- It's important to blow your nose while you have a cold. This can prevent postnasal drip, keep your sinuses clear, and prevent mucus from irritating your throat, which can easily trigger a cough.
- Quit smoking. Smoking can cause respiratory illnesses, chronic coughing, and even stroke since it deprives the body of oxygen needed to circulate blood throughout your body. It's one of the leading causes of chronic coughing and bronchitis, also known as "smoker's cough". Try to avoid secondhand smoke and other hazardous fumes if you have a cough or sore throat.[31]
- Avoid smoking especially when you have a headache or fever, since smoking can weaken your immune system and prolong the condition.
- Ask your doctor about ways to reduce and quit smoking.
- Practice mild to moderate exercise. Mild to moderate exercises such as walking or stretching boosts your immune system, reducing the recovery period and alleviating symptoms. Regular exercises also reduce the risk of infection over the long term. A daily 30–45 minute workout with moderate intensity exercises like brisk walking, jogging and swimming is recommended. If needed, talk with a physician. Try to avoid intensive training if you have a cold, fever or headache.[32][33]
- If intensive exercise is triggering your cough, along with symptoms such as wheezing, chest pain, and shortness of breath, you may have exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB).[34] This happens when the tubes that bring air into and out of your lungs narrow with exercise, causing symptoms of asthma. Some people with EIB do not otherwise have asthma, and people with allergies may also have trouble breathing during exercise. Talk to your physician or an immunologist to help develop a personalized fitness plan for your condition. Avoid cold, dry temperatures and changes in atmospheric pressure as these can trigger EIB.
- Use a humidifier. Dry air can aggravate the symptoms of a cold, making it harder for mucus to drain and triggering coughs. Use a humidifier in your bedroom or living room to add moisture to the air, prevent dehydration, help clear your sinuses and soothe your throat. Aim for the right humidity. The air in your home should range from 30% to 55% humidity. The simplest way to measure humidity is with a gauge called a humidistat, which can be purchased from most hardware stores.[35]
- If the humidity is too high, mold and dust mites may thrive, both of which are common causes of allergies. Mold also causes an unpleasant smell and can discolor surfaces. If the humidity falls too low, it may cause dry eyes, throat and sinus irritations.[36]
- Both portable and central humidifiers must be cleaned thoroughly. Otherwise, they tend to become contaminated with mold and bacterial growth that may be blown through the house. Stop the humidifier and call your healthcare provider if you develop any respiratory symptoms that you feel are related to the use of a humidifier.[37]
- Get an indoor houseplant. For a natural humidifier, consider getting a houseplant. Plants can help regulate indoor humidity by releasing water vapor from their flowers, leaves, and stems. They also help clear the air of carbon dioxide and other pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene.[38]
- Good indoor plants include aloe vera, bamboo palm, weeping fig, Chinese evergreen, and various species of philodendron and dracaena.[39]
EditSeeking Medical Care - Visit your doctor. While most coughs go away after a few weeks, some may be warning signs of an underlying condition or infection. Smokers may cough more frequently and should go see the doctor if the cough lasts longer than 3–4 weeks. You should go see your doctor with the first development of a cough if you experience:[40][41]
- Sore throat
- High fever
- Whooping cough
- Postnasal drip, which feels like mucus running down your throat
- Coughing up blood - get emergency medical care immediately
- Coughing that interferes with your work and daily activities - get emergency medical care immediately
- You should especially go see your doctor if you have previously been diagnosed with allergies, asthma, bronchitis, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease or are taking prescription medication, such as ACE inhibitors, for a heart condition. Coughing can aggravate these conditions.
- See an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist). Your doctor may refer you to an ENT specialist, who can check your throat for signs of viral or bacterial infection, or if other underlying causes. An ENT specialist can also perform a nasal endoscopy using a fiber optic scope to look at your sinuses. The ENT specialist will look for nasal polyps and vocal cord polyps. The ENT specialist will also identify structural problems if you have nasal infection, and may suggest an endoscopic sinus surgery.[42]
- You should tell your doctor about any other respiratory conditions you may have.
- Get a chest x-ray. Your doctor may recommend getting a 15-minute chest x-ray exam if you have symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, chronic cough, or fever. A chest x-ray is a painless, non-invasive test that creates pictures of the structures inside your chest, such as your heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Although a routine chest X-ray won't reveal the most common reasons for a cough, like postnasal drip, acid reflux or asthma, it may be used to check for lung cancer and pneumonia and other lung diseases. An X-ray of your sinuses may reveal evidence of a sinus infection.[43]
- Let your doctor know if you're pregnant or may be pregnant. In general, women should avoid all x-ray tests during pregnancy.
- Check for symptoms of whooping cough (pertussis). Whooping cough starts like the common cold with a runny nose or congestion, sneezing, a mild cough, fever and sleep apnea. After 1–2 weeks, severe coughing can begin. Whooping cough can cause violent and rapid coughing, over and over, until the air is gone from the lungs and you are forced to inhale with a loud "whooping" sound. You may even vomit. See your doctor immediately if you have a whooping cough.[44]
- Many babies with whooping cough don't cough at all. Instead, it can cause them to stop breathing. Infants and children under 6 years get emergency medical care immediately.
- Watch for signs of nasal or lung infection. If your doctor suspects chronic sinusitis, a nasal infection, or bronchitis, you may need imaging tests including an x-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Other common symptoms of nasal infection include:[45][46]
- Fever and headache. If you have a high fever or severe headache, you should seek medical care immediately.
- Pressure in the forehead, temples, cheeks, nose, jaw, teeth, behind the eyes or at the top of the head.
- Facial tenderness or swelling, usually around the eyes or cheeks.
- Shortness of breath or wheezing breath
- Squeezing or tightness in the chest that causes pain
- Nasal stuffiness, loss of smell, nasal discharge (usually yellowish green), or post-nasal drip, the sensation of fluid dripping down the back of the throat, particularly at night or when lying down.
- Rare complications associated with chronic sinusitis can include blood clots, abscesses, meningitis, orbital cellulitis which causes inflammation around the eyes, and osteomyelitis, an infection that spreads to the bones in the face.
- Watch for severe symptoms of a cold. If you have severe symptoms of a cold or flu or have been previously diagnosed with any respiratory disease, you should get professional care immediately. These symptoms include:[47]
- Cough with green or yellowish phlegm
- A fever of 104ºF or more.
- Ear or nasal infection
- Nasal discharge
- Skin rashes
- Breathlessness due to asthma or another respiratory problem.
- Wash your hands regularly to avoid chances of other infections. Use a hand-sanitizer on the go.
- You can boost your immunity against cold viruses and other diseases with a healthy diet and plenty of rest, helping your body recover quicker.
- Choose a pillow that will keep the neck aligned with the chest and lower back. A pillow that's too high can put your neck into a position that causes muscle strain on your back, neck, and shoulders. Your pillow should be adjustable to allow you to sleep in different positions.
- People who suffer from acid reflux and indigestion should try more easily absorbed forms of zinc, such as zinc picolinate, zinc citrate, zinc acetate, zinc glycerate, or zinc monomethionine.
- Very high doses of zinc may suppress your immune system. You should not take high doses of zinc for more than a few days unless your doctor tells you to. Speak with your doctor before taking zinc supplements.
- If you have an underlying lung condition, such as asthma, bronchitis or emphysema, you should let your doctor know right away when you get a cold.
- Zinc could possible lower body copper levels if you take them for several months, so doctors recommend using a daily dietary supplement that provides at least 2 mg of copper.
- Oil pulling with coconut oil is popular because it tastes better than other oils and contains natural antioxidants and vitamins, such as Vitamin E.
- Do not take eucalyptus oil by mouth as it can be poisonous. People with asthma, seizures, liver or kidney disease, or low blood pressure should not use eucalyptus without asking their doctor.
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