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There is no cure for the common cold, a minor infection of the upper respiratory tract that can be caused by hundreds of different viruses. However, many remedies are available to try to reduce the symptoms that often accompany this illness.

Colds are among the most common illnesses in the United States. The National Institutes of Health estimates an average of 1 billion colds occur annually. Major symptoms associated with colds include a runny nose or stuffed-up nose, sneezing and watery eyes, sore throat and coughing.

People who have a runny nose often also experience postnasal drip. This is a thickening of the mucus that is naturally produced by the nose and sinuses and that travels in a thin film down the back of the throat. In some people, postnasal drip is significant enough to cause coughing, a sore throat or requires constant clearing of the throat.

Cold symptoms tend to appear about one to three days after the virus enters a person’s body and may include congestion, a runny or stuffy nose, and sneezing. These symptoms typically last for about a week before clearing, although some colds may persist for longer periods of time.

In many cases, symptoms related to colds do not require any treatment more substantial than occasionally blowing the nose into a tissue. However, in some cases, additional steps may be necessary to provide relief. There are various self-care remedies that can help reduce the effects of cold symptoms. In addition, various over-the-counter medications are available that can be helpful when used appropriately. However, none of these measures can cure a cold or shorten its duration.