Drink more Fluids for Relief from Cold

We as doctors generally advise our patients to increase their fluid intake when they are suffering from colds, coughs or sinus infections. Increasing the fluid intake is safe and seems to help most of the patients.

But have you ever thought that why does your doctor advise you to do so?

When infected by colds, coughs or sinus infections mucus is produced in the body. Producing mucus uses up the body’s fluid reserves. Thus the body becomes dehydrated. If fluid intake is increased then it helps the body in thinning out the mucus. This makes it easier to expel out this mucus.  

How to increase the fluid intake?

Drink plenty of fluids especially hot tea, hot soups, juices.

Avoid drinking beverages that are high in sugar, alcohol or caffeine content.