A cold is a disease caused by a number of viruses that cause inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. Occurs mainly due to hypothermia. People with weakened immune systems are most at risk of infection.
It is important at the very beginning of the disease not to confuse ARVI (acute respiratory viral infection) with influenza. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the symptoms of the disease in order to begin correct treatment and start taking cold and flu medications for adults immediately.
Cold symptoms
A cold most often manifests itself primarily as discomfort in the throat and nasopharynx. Later, a runny nose develops, mainly manifesting itself in the form clear discharge from the nose. The body temperature does not exceed 38° and lasts no more than 2-3 days, so there is no point in bringing it down.
Colds and flu always come without asking
Main symptoms of a cold:
- headache,
- runny nose,
- a sore throat,
- pain in the eyes, lacrimation (at the very beginning of the disease),
- sore throat,
- sneezing,
- cough,
- weakness (in the first days of illness),
- subfibrile temperature.
Effective medicines to relieve cold symptoms
Proper treatment of a cold is not limited to starting to take medications on time. When dealing with colds and flu, it is important for adults and children to approach the problem comprehensively. You need to stick to bed rest and drink more fluids.
This helps remove toxins. It is better to give preference to tea with the addition of lemon or raspberries; ginger tea helps a lot. Please note that any drink you choose should not be hot, much less cold.
Maintain bed rest
By spending the first 3 days in bed, you will not only speed up the healing process, but will also be able to avoid possible complications.
Headache and body aches are the main companions of an acute respiratory viral infection, so it is quite difficult for the patient to stop taking painkillers. For colds and flu in adults, doctors usually prescribe Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, as in pure form, as well as preparations containing them in their composition.
High temperature over 38 degrees. - a reason to take antipyretic medications It is important to know! Antipyretic medications for colds should be taken as a last resort.. If you have the flu, you cannot do without such medications, since with the flu the body temperature is usually higher than with a cold.
The use of these medications will not only relieve you from unpleasant, painful sensations, but will also help bring down the elevated temperature. However, you should not abuse these drugs, as an overdose can lead to damage to the kidneys and liver.
Painkillers and antipyretics:
- Paracetamol. The most popular and safest antipyretic and analgesic. Available in various forms. It could be pills dissolvable tablets, suppositories, drops (for babies) and suspensions (for children). Can be used for no more than 5 days. Without a doctor’s prescription – 3 days.
- Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). The use of aspirin by children under 15 years of age, as well as by pregnant women and patients with peptic ulcer. Contraindicated in persons with kidney damage. Can cause allergic reactions. Available in tablet and dissolvable tablet form.
- Ibuprofen. It is as effective as paracetamol, but is much less irritating to the gastric mucosa. Can be purchased in tablets, syrup, and also in the form of rectal suppositories.
Trade names of antipyretic and analgesic drugs:
- Paracetamol,
- Nurofen,
- Calpole,
- Ibusan,
- Ibuprofen,
- Aspirin,
- Efferalgan.
In the fight against colds and flu, you cannot do without vasoconstrictors. They help relieve nasal congestion and ease the patient's breathing. Please note that vasoconstrictor medications for colds and flu should absolutely not be abused by both adults and children.
The duration of taking vasoconstrictor drugs should not exceed 3 days
It is permissible to use such products no more than 4 times per day.
Such drugs quickly become addictive and addictive.. The effect may be the opposite of what was expected. With an overdose or long-term use of a vasoconstrictor, the swelling of the nasopharyngeal mucosa will only increase. Then you will no longer be able to breathe fully without such drops.
Drugs aimed at relieving cold symptoms are very popular. They act quickly enough and retain the relief effect for some time.
One of the most popular drugs for getting rid of cold symptoms The most common medications to relieve symptoms:
- Coldrex. Fast-acting remedy. Helps you forget about cold symptoms within a few hours. The effect is achieved thanks to the combination of components in the composition of the drug. A combination of paracetamol and caffeine helps relieve headaches and muscle pain. Price from 200 rub.
- Theraflu. Significant content of paracetamol and vitamin C. Acts quickly and retains the effect for at least 2 hours. Contains pheniramine, which reduces swelling and makes breathing easier. Price from 180 rub.
Febrifuge - Fervex. Quickly reduces elevated body temperature, and also relieves swelling of the upper respiratory tract. The result is achieved thanks to the content of paracetamol and antihistamine. Price from 320 to 350 rubles.
Important! All these remedies are aimed only at eliminating symptoms and are not medicines. The most you can expect is relief within a few hours. You should not abuse such drugs, as they contain a significant amount of paracetamol.
Relieving cold symptoms The most important advantage of complex drugs is the rapid action and long-awaited relief of cold or flu symptoms.
Antiviral agents
Antiviral drugs will help the body cope with ARVI or influenza faster and without complications.
The most effective of them:
- Arbidol. One of the most popular antiviral drugs. Helps overcome influenza A and B viruses. The product cannot be called 100% effective, since, despite positive reviews, its effectiveness has not been proven. Cost from 160 to 485 rubles, depending on the form of release and quantity.
- Ingavirin. A potent drug. Acts directly on the genome of the influenza virus, destroying it. The drug was discovered quite a long time ago. Used in treatment oncological diseases. Over time, scientists discovered the ability of vitaglutam, which is part of inverin, to affect viruses. Price: 430-520 rub.
Flu treatment - Remantadine. Actively fights viruses and promotes a speedy recovery. It is very important to start taking rimantadine at the first symptoms of ARVI or flu, so the drug will act most effectively. Price in pharmacies from 85 to 200 rubles.
Antiviral agent Can a cold be treated with antibiotics?
Treatment of ARVI with antibiotics is carried out only as a last resort. You cannot self-medicate, since the choice of antibiotic can only be entrusted to a qualified specialist. There is no antibiotic for “flu” or “cold”, you can only prescribe a specific drug for each specific case. You should not take such drugs on the advice of friends, even if your symptoms are similar. Taking antibiotics usually entails a number of consequences and side effects.
Antibiotics are used in cases with complications You can talk about taking an antibiotic only if a bacterial infection is associated with an acute respiratory viral infection and only after the patient has undergone the appropriate tests.
Antibiotics may be prescribed by a doctor in the following cases:
- Pneumonia;
- Otitis;
- Sore throat (bacterial);
- Bronchitis;
- Sinusitis, sinusitis.
Cough medicines
Cough is another “companion” of ARVI. It represents the body’s protective reaction to inflammatory processes, as a result of which mucus is released, which cleanses the bronchi from harmful microorganisms.
Cough is a common accompaniment of colds and flu It should not be started, since even a slight cough with a weakened immune system can develop into bronchitis or even pneumonia. Correctly and timely prescribed cough medicine for colds and flu will help prevent coughing in both adults and children.
Does not exist universal medicine that can cure cough
Each drug can cope with a specific type of cough. Cough can be divided into two types - dry and wet (wet).
With a wet cough, the use of medications aimed at suppressing the cough reflex can be very dangerous for the patient. The accumulation of sputum will lead to blockage of the lumens of the bronchi. With a dry cough, the use of drugs to remove and dilute sputum is simply useless.
Cough remedy Drugs for wet cough(to thin phlegm):
- Bromhexine (from 20 rub.),
- Stoptussin (from 120 rub.),
- Mukaltin (from 15 rubles).
Medicines for dry cough:
- Sinekod. Price: 275-440 rub.
- Libexin. Price: about 500 rub.
- ACC. Price: 130-390 rub.
Dry cough remedy Cough medications must be taken for at least 7 days. Otherwise there will be no effect. The use of any drug for more than 7 days is possible only under the supervision of a doctor.
Treatment of a sore throat
A sore throat accompanies a patient with ARVI from the very beginning of the disease. Usually this symptom of a cold appears first and for a long time prevents the patient from eating, drinking and even just swallowing normally.
Sore throat is one of the symptoms of the disease Fortunately, there are a sufficient number of antibacterial drugs. They are able not only to relieve the symptom itself, but also to eliminate the root cause of its appearance - bacteria, causing inflammation. There are many forms of release of drugs for sore throat. These are tablets, lozenges, lozenges, sprays and rinses.
Medicines for sore throat:
- Strepsils. Sore throat tablets that are always at hand. They are distinguished by a variety of tastes and relatively high efficiency. Cost of the drug: from 215 rubles.
Sore throat remedy - Faringosept. Pills. Pleasant taste and high effectiveness of the drug. Price of the medicine: from 125 rubles.
- Tantum Verde. Available in spray form. A very effective drug. It acts quickly, destroying bacteria and soothing the throat. Price: 265-370 rub.
Medicine for a sore throat - Bioparox. Aerosol. Local antibiotic. Relieves pain and fights inflammation in a short time. Contraindicated for children under 2 years of age, as well as for pregnant women and lactation. Cost: from 350 rub.
- Lugol's solution. A remedy familiar from childhood. Apply with a cotton swab. Contains iodine, which has an antiseptic effect. Price: from 10 rub.
How to fight a runny nose
Before instilling the same vasoconstrictor drugs or homeopathic drops, it is necessary to clean the nasal passages. Sprays with sterilized water are perfect for this. sea water. There are many of them on pharmacy shelves.
Trade names:
- Humer ( approximate cost: 550-650 rub.),
- Aqua Maris (price: 70-185 rub.),
- Marimer (price: 160-450 rub.),
- Salin (cost: 100-150 rubles).
The variety of seaweed sprays is impressive The purpose of such solutions and drops is to clear the nose of mucus and allergens. Afterwards, you can use drops in your nose, which will relieve you of swelling.
Medicines for the common cold can be divided into the following categories:
- Vasoconstrictors. Drops and sprays fast action. Relieves swelling and brings long-lasting relief to the patient. The main disadvantage of such drugs is the body’s addiction due to long-term use.
- Homeopathic. Such drugs help cope with a runny nose, thanks to the natural ingredients in their composition. Minus – the effect is achieved through long-term and systematic use.
- Inhalations. No one has canceled the usual method of dealing with the runny nose. Inhalations will help you “get back on your feet” faster due to their effect on the respiratory tract as a whole.
Are there quick-acting medications?
Cold and flu medications for adults and children require a comprehensive and systematic approach. This is the only way to return to the usual rhythm in as soon as possible and with the least negative influence on the body.
A woman’s health is not a toy, self-care is important Remember that any disease is a consequence of weakened immunity. Comprehensive prevention is the main rule of a healthy person.
Monitor your health every day, then you won’t have to look for drugs that can relieve the symptoms of colds and flu, whether you are an adult or a child.
How to distinguish the flu from a cold? Watch the video consultation with specialists:
Treatment of influenza, ARVI and colds: simple tips. Find out from this useful video:
TOP 6 cheap cold medicines that will replace expensive ones. Watch an interesting video:
Changes in weather are often accompanied by an outbreak of acute colds, flu.
Feeling unwell, coughing, sore throat, runny nose, fever, they bring you to the pharmacy and put you in front of a choice of all kinds of cold pills.
What cold pills should you choose to treat acute respiratory infections and flu in order to quickly cope with the infection?
All cold medicines are conventionally divided into two groups:
- means that eliminate cold symptoms - symptomatic drugs;
- drugs that act on the virus and strengthen the immune system - antiviral, immunomodulatory agents.
The most common signs of a cold- headache, runny nose, high temperature, . The choice of which tablets to take for a cold depends on the main symptom of acute respiratory disease (ARI).
If the most pronounced symptom ARI - high temperature, antipyretic tablets are needed.
For severe muscle pain or headaches, painkillers help, and vasoconstrictors and antihistamines help with a runny nose.
Read also about other medications for the common cold in the article.
Painkillers
Solpadeine helps with headaches, it acts quickly thanks to the codeine and caffeine it contains.
Panadeine is characterized by a similar composition and action. Panadeine tablets contain codeine, paracetamol, quickly help with headaches and lower fever.
Analgin helps with pain and feverish conditions. These cold tablets are not prescribed to children. Amidopyrine is used for headaches, reduces fever, and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines reduce swelling, relieve itching and runny nose.
For colds, Pheniramine, Promethazine, and Chlorphenamine tablets are prescribed.
Antipyretic medications
A well-known antipyretic is aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). The drug is approved for children, but has a number of side effects and is taken under the supervision of a doctor.
Aspirin - Oops - effervescent tablets for colds contain aspirin and vitamin C. The tablet is dissolved in water. Children are prescribed after 4 years.
Alka-Seltzer effervescent tablets contain, in addition to aspirin, soda and citric acid. The drug is approved for children over 3 years of age.
Vasoconstrictors
Restoring free breathing and reducing secretions is achieved by using vasoconstrictors - phenylephrine, Nazivin, Otrivin.
Sinuforte aerosol and sprays: Pinosol and Xymelin help with a runny nose. Vibrocil and Pinosol nasal drops help a lot.
Ointments Doctor Mom, Evamenol, Pinosol reduce runny nose.
Combined action cold tablets
Most symptomatic treatment drugs have a combined effect, eliminating several symptoms at once. These drugs include paracetamol and nurofen.
Nurofen tablets have an anti-inflammatory effect, reduce pain, and reduce fever during colds.
Symptomatic drugs include Theraflu, Codrex, Fervex.
Fervex has the fewest contraindications. The drug is produced in powders and lozenges.
Anti-inflammatory tablets help with colds:
- efferalgan;
- Panadol.
Panadol contains paracetamol and is not recommended to be taken with other medications containing this compound. Panadol is produced in the form of a pleasant-tasting syrup for children, tablets, and suppositories for adults.
Efferalgan also contains paracetamol, which effectively fights cold symptoms, reduces fever, and improves well-being.
Chinese tablets
Combination drugs with symptomatic action include granules of the Chinese drug "Ganmaolin Kaley" 999. Each tablet Chinese medicine for colds contains paracetamol, caffeine and plant extracts.
The composition of the Chinese remedy includes string, peppermint oil, evodia root, and Indian chrysanthemum.
The product has an antipyretic, analgesic effect, reduces congestion, and helps with sore throat.
Symptomatic treatment cannot act on the virus that causes colds and flu. Helps suppress the effect of the virus antivirals Which pills to take for a cold also depends on the age of the patient.
Antiviral agents
Viral infections cause diseases when one's own defenses are weakened. To strengthen the immune system, hardening, playing sports, and eating a balanced diet are useful.
There are effective medications that have a positive effect on the body's condition.
To correctly choose which tablets to treat a cold with, you need to visit a doctor or at least read the instructions very carefully.
The drug Immunal is also used for the prevention of acute respiratory infections and influenza. Immunal tablets are taken to strengthen the immune system and to treat colds caused by a virus. Immunal is allowed for children after 4 years of age.
Interferon
The product is used for preventive purposes, to treat influenza and colds.
Several are produced based on interferon pharmaceutical drugs: Arbidol, Cycloferon, Amiksin, Groprinosin.
The products stimulate a person’s own immunity.
Remantadine
The tablets are used as an antiviral remedy for colds, flu, and as a preventive measure for influenza in adults.
Strong tablets that help against colds include the antiviral drug Tamiflu.
The drug is approved for children over 12 months of age and adults; it can be prescribed by a doctor with caution during pregnancy.
The use of Tamiflu shortens the duration of the disease, reduces the likelihood and severity of complications after influenza and acute respiratory infections.
Arbidol
The antiviral drug Arbidol is low-toxic; tablets of the drug can be used for prophylaxis in case of contact with a patient with the flu or a cold.
Arbidol tablets will help prevent the recurrence of herpes when general decline immunity, the drug is effectively used in complex therapy against influenza, pneumonia,.
Amiksin
Amiksin tablets have an immunomodulatory effect and are effective against influenza and viruses that cause acute respiratory diseases. The drug is contraindicated during pregnancy, as well as for children under 7 years of age.
The drug is taken according to the schedule, in dosage, according to age. Children over 7 years old are prescribed 3 tablets of Amiksin for colds and flu: one on the 1st, 2nd, 4th day from the start of treatment.
For severe colds, 4 tablets per course of treatment are sufficient; take one on days 1, 2, 4, 6 after the start of treatment.
Oxolinic ointment
An excellent prophylactic remedy is oxolinic ointment.
This inexpensive remedy for colds it works no worse than expensive pills in bright packaging.
Oxolinic ointment treats runny nose of viral origin and helps with herpes.
Find out about other ointments against runny nose in our article.
Acyclovir
For colds on the lips, tablets and ointment of the antiviral drug Acyclovir help.
Read more about colds on the lips and treatment methods in our article.
During pregnancy, it is not recommended to take drugs that stimulate the immune system.
This rule must be followed especially strictly in the first trimester of pregnancy.
All antiviral tablets for colds during pregnancy should be prescribed by a doctor, based on feasibility, expected effect and possible risk to the fetus.
Paracetamol is taken as a pain reliever; these tablets are not dangerous for pregnant women, they help against colds and reduce fever.
Do not do it Take tablets containing aspirin, ibuprofen, codeine during pregnancy. You should not take antiviral drugs without medical supervision.
Instead of vasoconstrictor nasal drops, limit yourself to rinsing the nose sea salt, using Aquamaris, Pinosol.
Cold tablets for children
The following are considered effective cold tablets for children:
- children's Anaferon;
- antiviral drug Arbidol.
Arbidol strengthens the immune system and is used to treat and prevent viral infections. The drug is approved for children from two years of age.
Anaferon is approved for newborns from one month. Lozenges help cope with viral infection respiratory tract, serve as prevention of flu and colds.
For runny noses and colds, children are prescribed syrups and tablets, their names are algirem, arbidol, remantadine. At allergic rhinitis Claritin, Erius, Diazolin are prescribed.
Cheap cold pills
Price difference for expensive medicines and their analogues are significant. Thus, in Ukraine, treatment for colds with expensive tablets and substitutes differs several times.
It is not necessary to treat a cold with expensive the latest drugs. Side effects Many drugs are detected only after a while, after the start of their use.
The most famous cheap tablets for colds are acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol, analgin, echinacea tincture, ibuprofen, galazolin, ambroxol.
Septefril- a drug that has antiseptic properties, suppresses staphylococci, enterobacteria, viruses, yeast-like fungi, acts on bacterial strains resistant to antibiotics.
The drug is produced in the form of lozenges; up to 6 tablets can be taken per day; children under 15 years old can take up to 4 tablets. The course of treatment is 3-4 days.
For a runny nose
Expensive vasoconstrictor drops Nazivin and Otrivin can replace cheaper ones: Rinazolin and Farmazolin, and instead of Aquamaris spray they use Marimer, Humer.
Against cough
Lazolvan can be replaced by its cheap analogues Abrol and Ambroxal.
An analogue of the drug ACC, which thins phlegm, Acetal is no less effective in breaking up and promoting the removal of phlegm, and softens cough.
U antibacterial drug Summed there is cheap analogue Azithromycin.
For sore throat
The drug Strepsils can be replaced by Neo-angin, Angi sept, Rinza lorcept.
Septifril absorbent tablets have a similar effect, and the price of this effective means colds are much less.
Instead of Givalex spray, you can use Ingalipt, Orasept.
Antiviral agents
Arbivir and Immusstat are used instead of Arbidol. Viferon is replaced with Laferobion, and Echinacea-ratiopharm is replaced with Echinacea-lubnypharm.
The price of expensive cold pills can be many times higher than the cost inexpensive analogue. Thus, the cost of Arbidol tablets is much higher than the price of the drug with similar action Remantadine.
Amiksin can be replaced with Lavomax, and instead of Fervex, use paracetamol tablets.
List of complex medications for colds
Most often, colds are treated with complex medications, such drugs include tablets and powders from the list:
- Antigrippin– a drug based on paracetamol, relieves pain and lowers temperature.
- Immunal– antiviral, immunomodulatory medicine.
- Coldrex– improves well-being by effectively suppressing cold symptoms.
- Teraflu– eliminates symptoms of colds and flu.
- Viferon– antiviral, immunomodulatory effect.
- Fervex – combination drug, intended for symptomatic treatment.
- Arbidol- antiviral medicine.
- Grippferon – antiviral drug.
- Anvimax– eliminates cold symptoms.
- Oscillococcinum- homeopathic medicine.
- Kagocel– exhibits an antiviral effect.
- Anaferon- homeopathic medicine.
- Ingavirin– antiviral agent.
- Amiksin– antiviral drug.
When treating a cold, you need to remember that prolonged uncontrolled use medicines may be addictive, side effects, complications of varying severity.
Any drug treatment must be carried out under the supervision of a physician.
Treatment of flu and colds is very important question, which requires special attention. Sometimes people rely too much on their own immunity, thinking that it will cope with the disease on its own. But this is a very risky model of behavior - especially in the case of influenza - since the body can retreat under the pressure of viral attacks, and complications begin.
The disease itself will not go away in just one week - only in its mildest forms. But encountering such serious troubles as otitis media or sinusitis is quite likely. In this case healing process It will be even more difficult, there will be consequences, and recovery will be delayed.
Proper treatment of colds and flu ensures a speedy recovery
So, you should figure out what drugs you can use to organize successful treatment flu and colds.
For example, taking antiviral drugs can be effective only at the very beginning of the disease. But antibiotics are prescribed by a doctor if the nature of the disease is bacterial.
Viruses spread much faster than bacteria. When the first symptoms of the disease appear, the viral concentration in the blood is traditionally quite high.
The initial signs of infection turn out to be quite fleeting - a feeling of weakness, pain in the muscles and head, fever. Symptoms such as cough and runny nose last significantly longer, since these are consequences of the onset of inflammatory processes.
It makes sense to do symptomatic treatment, which will allow you not only to feel better already on the third or fourth day of the disease, but also to gradually (in combination with other methods of therapy) solve the main problem.
If the form of the disease is severe, the introduction of interferon into the body is indicated so that the immune system can join the fight against the infection.
In general, those who want to quickly and without consequences defeat the flu and serious colds should begin treatment no later than one and a half days after the onset of the disease.
Treatment rules
Those who want to know how to properly treat flu and colds need to understand that it is important to follow certain rules, without which even taking super effective medications will not be effective at all:
- First of all, can't do without bed rest. Under no circumstances should you carry such diseases “on your feet” - you only risk complicating everything and infecting someone. At work and/or school, you should take sick leave (if that doesn’t work, take a day off). Don’t worry about inevitable financial expenses – health is more important. Treatment of a more complicated disease can cost you much more. Moreover, bed rest is needed for those who have a fever. At least the first days after infection.
- All doctors recommend drinking plenty of fluids. In particular, it is recommended that clean as well as mineral water, vegetable juices, herbal teas, compotes. Remember that in case of fever in human body significant fluid losses are observed. Children should drink at least a liter of different liquids per day, and adults should drink at least a couple of liters. By the way, we recommend not store-bought juices (which contain a lot of sugar and all kinds of chemical additives with preservatives), but natural ones. Excess calories are an extra burden on the endocrine system.
- Nutrition must be complete, but you should eat in moderation. For example, small sick children should not be force-fed (two-day fasting will not harm them). Heavy foods are not recommended, including most meat products. But chicken broth is considered very healthy - only it must be freshly brewed, since chicken skin contains a large amount of cysteine, thanks to which the body gets rid of phlegm.
Nutrition for colds and flu should be complete
Symptomatic therapy
If we talk about symptomatic therapy, it is aimed, first of all, not at the immediate cause of the disease, but at alleviating the condition of the patient.
Due to the wide variety of symptoms of colds, it is often necessary to take several medications at once:
- From cough;
- for fever;
- from migraine;
- from joint pain and so on.
The same antipyretics, as a rule, do not affect the cause of high fever and do not shorten the duration of the disease, but significantly alleviate the patient’s condition.
Thanks to them:
- oxygen consumption decreases, as does fluid loss;
- the cardiac system and lungs experience less stress;
- the risk of developing swelling is reduced;
- exacerbations of chronic diseases are avoided.
When taking antipyretic drugs for severe fever, you should not think that temperature readings will immediately return to normal after taking them. As a rule, they still remain above the norm, but are no longer dangerous (at a low-grade level). That is, the immune system is still working, suppressing the virus, helping the treatment to complete successfully and quickly.
Perhaps the most popular and safe antipyretic drug in our country is Paracetamol. It may also be a component of other medicines designed to combat fever.
- For children, 15-60 milligrams per kilogram of weight per day is enough.
- Adults can drink 4 grams per day.
Although many fever-fighting medications irritate the stomach, there are no such side effects with Paracetamol.
But - attention! – Under no circumstances should you combine Paracetamol with alcohol!
The second most popular drug for fighting fever during flu and colds is Ibuprofen. It is especially helpful for patients suffering from headaches and muscle aches.
By the way, European doctors most often choose this particular medicine, noting the possibility negative impact Paracetamol for liver condition.
Would you like to know how to properly treat flu and colds? In this case, it is not advisable for you to rush into using a medicine such as Aspirin. In any case, it is advisable to consult your doctor. Moreover, the drug is undesirable for children, since there is a possibility of Reye's syndrome associated with liver damage and serious problems in the central nervous system.
- there may be problems with the condition of the bone marrow;
- the level of leukocytes will drop;
- Possibly a collapsed state.
In essence, this drug is allowed if the situation is urgent - in such cases it is administered intramuscularly.
As for the drug Nimesulide, it is also advisable to avoid it. Nimulid and Nise are other forms of this medicine. According to doctors, the drug is extremely toxic to the liver.
If you decide not to use antipyretics, remember that there are so-called traditional methods fight against fever:
- rubbing with vinegar;
- cold compresses;
- dousing with cool water.
At the same time, the use of these methods must be correct (especially if you are treating a child) so as not to further aggravate the situation.
In some situations, unfortunately, without strong drugs, designed to reduce fever, cannot be avoided. In this case, it is better to choose Paracetamol or Ibuprofen.
A repeat dose is given only if the temperature rises again.
Thermal treatments
To cure flu and colds, you should know how to perform thermal procedures.
Sometimes a stuffy nose is warmed up with freshly boiled chicken eggs, however, this is unlikely to be repeated, since there is a high probability of burning the skin on the nose. It will be much safer to use heated bags of salt.
Previously, all sorts of methods of warming were popular, such as mustard plasters, cups and burning patches. Some people still use them today. However, doctors do not recommend such methods, both because they are painful and because they are dangerous due to burns and allergic reactions.
Finally, these drugs cause vasodilation skin, but for those who have a cold or flu this is completely useless.
What to do if your throat hurts?
For those who have a very sore throat, drinking a warm drink will definitely help. You can treat yourself with the following drinks:
- teas - herbal, with honey, with raspberry jam;
- milk (where it would be nice to add a little soda);
- herbal infusions (for example, sage, calendula and chamomile are especially useful);
- salt solutions (just a little salt is enough - a pinch in half a glass of water);
- sprays, lozenges and mint tablets.
As a rule, with a cold, this symptom can be dealt with quickly. If the flu is severe, it may take a little longer to treat.
Treatment of a runny nose
A lot of troubles for people with a cold are caused by such a symptom as a runny nose.
Our patients are accustomed to using vasoconstrictor drops, not paying attention to the fact that this may be unsafe (especially in case of overdose and for a child).
In fact, with their help, breathing improves only temporarily. After these remedies, it is better to use saline solutions. You can, for example, prepare such a solution on your own: add just a pinch of salt to half a glass of water.
Three times daily is enough until the runny nose goes away - a couple of pipettes at a time. In this case, it is advisable to be in horizontal position and tilt your head back.
In this way, you will be able to destroy germs in the nasal cavity and gradually achieve recovery.
A runny nose also needs to be treated correctly so that there are no consequences.
How to treat colds and flu, if observed purulent runny nose? In this case, it is better to consult with your doctor before choosing suitable drug. The most commonly used product is Protargol. But it’s better to avoid antibiotics in the form of nasal drops - they can cause allergies and other complications. It is also advisable not to deal with oil droplets - they tend to get into the lungs, provoking inflammatory processes there.
Fighting a cough
Cough is another symptom that almost always accompanies any acute respiratory viral infection, including influenza. On the one hand, in this way the body gets rid of phlegm in the throat (but phlegm contains great amount pathogenic microorganisms). On the other hand, because of a cough, a person feels unwell, he lacks air, and wants to return to normal as soon as possible.
You can use antitussives that have central action, like Glaucine or Dextromethorphan. But these drugs are effective if the cough is dry. In case of wet cough such medications are contraindicated. In the human brain there is cough center, which is stimulated by expectorant drugs, but in the child as adverse reaction their use may cause allergies and vomiting.
- tea with raspberry jam or lemon;
- honey product;
- milk with the addition of soda or alkali.
As already mentioned, a cough can last longer than all other symptoms, but with proper treatment it can be eliminated.
A little about prevention
Perhaps still more important than treatment colds and flu are the prevention of these diseases, since it is better not to get sick at all than to spend your last energy on treatment, and then suffer from the consequences and recover.
For preventive purposes, for example, you can take a number of antiviral drugs. This is done, of course, not year-round - but in anticipation of the epidemic.
A healthy lifestyle is what will help you protect yourself from colds and flu
Do not forget about the basic preventive rules, which include a mandatory healthy lifestyle, good nutrition, giving up bad habits, maintaining hygiene. And take care of yourself when the epidemiological period begins, remembering how difficult it can be to fight the same flu and what bad consequences it can lead to.
With the arrival of cold weather, the question arises more and more often: what to take for a cold? After all, even weather conditions contribute in every possible way to the activation of viruses and bacteria.
Low, but not sub-zero temperature, humidity and wind, and can be transmitted from one person to another.
And if at the same time you are exposed to hypothermia and stress, then the probability of getting sick tends to 100%.
What to drink at the first sign of a cold? First aid
In the vast majority of cases, the cause of colds in adults and children is viruses. As a rule, the first signs of the development of ARVI are:- deterioration of general condition;
- runny nose;
- hoarseness of voice;
- a sore throat.
It is often immediately observed sharp increase body temperature up to 38 or even 39 ° C. At the first symptoms, at the very beginning of a cold You should immediately start taking antiviral drugs:
- Ingavirin;
- Arbidol;
- Amiksin;
- Lavomax;
- Cycloferon;
- Kagotsel, etc.
Medicines of this kind will help the immune system to immediately begin to actively fight the infection.
If you do not put off taking them until later, but take them at the first signs of discomfort, you can completely prevent the development of ARVI or at least reduce the severity and duration of its course.
A child can also take antiviral medications with a reduced dosage of the active substance for a cold.
Depending on the age, the baby is given one of the drugs listed above, and babies preschool age recommend:
- Laferobion;
- Anaferon for children;
- Oscillococinum;
- Isoprinosine;
- Proteflazid;
- Viburcol.
You also definitely need to start exercising. Thanks to such procedures, microorganisms will be mechanically washed out of the nasopharynx and nasal cavity, therefore, they will not be able to provoke the development of pronounced inflammatory process.
For these purposes, both regular saline solution and ready-made products sold in every pharmacy are ideal:
- Aquamaris;
- Marimer;
- Aqualor;
- No-salt;
- etc.
When a cold begins, it is not a bad idea to drink plenty of fluids. You can drink water, compotes, fruit drinks, warm but not hot tea with added medicinal herbs, honey, lemon or a combination thereof.
In case of ARVI, these measures are usually sufficient to quickly eliminate the ailment. But when bacterial infection although these measures will help reduce the intensity of the inflammatory process and alleviate the course of the disease.
Source: website
What antibiotics to take for a cold? When to start?
The only indication for taking antibiotics is the presence of a bacterial infection. You can suspect its presence by the following signs:
- high temperature (more than 38 °C) lasting longer than 3 days;
- discharge of green mucus from the nose;
- formation of white, yellow or grayish plaque on the tonsils;
- severe weakness, body aches.
In such situations, you should not self-medicate, much less select an antibiotic yourself. This is fraught with aggravation of the situation, the development of complications and bacterial resistance to the chosen drug.
The doctor will tell you which antibiotics to take and for how many days.
Often, for upper respiratory tract infections, medications of the penicillin group, and less often tetracyclines, are prescribed. These include:
- Amoxicillin (Amoxiclav, Flemoxin Solutab, Ospamox);
- Tetracycline;
- Doxycycline (Unidox Solutab, Doxibene, Doxy-M);
- Ciprofloxacin (Tsiprolet, Tsifran, Tsiprobay, Quintor).
Sulfonamide drugs are often prescribed, which have a pronounced antimicrobial effect, but are not antibiotics. This could be Biseptol, Sulfadimethoxine, etc.
As for children, antibiotics are selected for them exclusively by a pediatrician. Babies can be given Cefix, Cefodox, Zinnat and others.
Very often there are doubts about when to take antibiotics. After all, medications of this kind, although they effectively fight infection, can cause harm to the body.
To allay any fears, we note that coping with inflammation bacterial nature moderate and moderately severe
Otherwise, over time, the symptoms of the disease will dull, but this will not indicate recovery, but its transition to a chronic form.
Subsequently, the patient will be regularly plagued by relapses, and it will be extremely difficult to cope with a chronic source of infection even with well-chosen antibiotic therapy.
Therefore, to avoid such unpleasant consequences If you suspect that bacteria are causing your condition to worsen, you should immediately contact a qualified physician or pediatrician.
Do I need to take antiviral drugs for a cold?
Any antiviral medicine gives results only when taken at initial stage development of the disease.
It gives the immune system time to “swing up” and begin an independent fight against infectious process, inhibiting its pathogens due to the supply of interferons and other similar substances to the site of inflammation.
Therefore, it should be noted that their effectiveness is maximum in the first days of the disease.
Then you can even stop taking them, since the body already independently produces the required number of protective cells and compounds that kill pathogenic microflora.
What to drink for a cold without fever
If the temperature, 3 days after the onset of the disease, drops to 37.5 ° C or lower, or even does not rise at all, this clearly indicates the viral nature of the infection and its mild course.
In such situations, you should take only medications to eliminate unpleasant symptoms:
And mucolytics (Ambroxol, Lazolvan, Ambrobene, Prospan, Gedelix, Linkas, Gerbion, etc.) are indicated in the presence of cough.
Vasoconstrictor drops and sprays(Nazik, Galazolin, Naphthyzin, Nazivin, Rinazolin, Nazol, Noxprey, Vibrocil, etc.) are used to eliminate a runny nose and to relieve swelling of the nasopharynx, which causes nasal congestion.
Adults can choose any medication that suits them in terms of price and effect. For children, especially infants, it should be selected by a pediatrician. At the same time, children under 1 year of age are prohibited from being treated with sprays; only drops are recommended for them.
Rinse solutions, sprays and lozenges for sore throat (Strepsils, Lizak, Orasept, Angilex, Tantum-Verde, Lisobakt, Yox, Ingalipt, Septolete, Hexoral, etc.) should be taken or sore throat every 2-3 hours.
With temperature
In most cases, a cold causes fever. Thermometer readings can fluctuate quite widely, depending on the type and activity of the pathogen.
There is no need to fight a temperature of 37. Fever can be treated with medication only when the thermometer shows more than 38–38.5 °C.
To eliminate elevated temperature, antipyretic drugs are traditionally used:
- ibuprofen (Nurofen, Imet, Ibufen);
- paracetamol (Panadol, Rapidol, Cefekon D, Efferalgan);
- nimesulide (Nimesil, Nise, Nimegesic);
- acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin, Upsarin Upsa);
- complex (Ibuklin).
When children have a fever, only medications based on paracetamol and ibuprofen can be used, which should be alternated. In this case, paracetamol can be taken no more often than once every 4 hours, ibuprofen - every 7 hours.
Adults can choose any of the medications listed above. However, preference should also be given to paracetamol or ibuprofen.
If bone aches and is present severe weakness It is better for adults to take nimesulide-based products for colds accompanied by fever. Aspirin is rarely used for such purposes today.
If the fever persists for 3 days, this is a sign of a bacterial infection. This definitely requires contacting a doctor.
which can be easily purchased at the pharmacy. Most of them:
- relieve fever;
- eliminate nasal congestion;
- contain vitamin C;
- eliminate body aches, etc.
What to take for a cold from cheap medicines?
Inexpensive, simple medications can be just as effective as their expensive counterparts.
The fact is that the same active substance is a component of many medications produced by pharmaceutical companies under different trade names.
So, let’s list what medicines to take for colds so that they give maximum results and at the same time
- When a person feels that the disease is just beginning, you can take antiviral drugs such as Remantadine, Amizon, Echinacea tincture, propolis tincture.
- An effective remedy for fever is paracetamol. For adults, you should purchase tablets with a dosage of 0.325 mg, for children over 3 years old - 0.2 mg.
- For sore throat: Septefril, Streptocid, in the form alcohol solution or tablets, Inhalipt spray.
- For dry coughs and colds, you can take tablets based on thermopsis, marshmallow roots, Ambroxol, Bromhexine, etc.
- From wet effective medicine these are Acetylcysteine, Acestad, Doctor MOM and others.
- For a runny nose, you can use vasoconstrictor drops, but not longer than 7 days: Naphthyzin, Galazolin, Sanorin, etc.
Is it possible to take a hot bath if you have a cold?
It can definitely be said that when elevated temperature body take a hot bath. This will lead to a significant deterioration of the condition and increased fever.
Nevertheless, it is necessary to monitor body hygiene during illness. But, the main thing is to know what to do for these purposes, so as not to cause harm or aggravate your own condition.
Is it possible to take a shower if you have a cold and wash your hair?
If you have a fever, it is advisable to avoid water procedures. You can take a quick shower, but not a contrast shower, and wash your hair when the temperature drops to 37–37.5 °C.
After this, it is important not to go outside or onto the balcony. That's why best time for swimming - at night.
What tea to drink for a cold
When a cold begins, it is very important to increase the amount of fluid consumed per day. This will help cleanse the body of toxins released by microorganisms, improve the patient’s condition and speed up the onset of recovery.
As a drink, you can choose any one that suits the sick person’s taste: plain water, compote, fruit drink, juice, tea, etc. However, you can prepare good medicine yourself by adding something that helps against colds to black tea:
- lemon;
- sage;
- Linden blossom;
- raspberries
Attention
Very hot drinks are contraindicated. It can lead to fever, increased inflammation in the throat and other similar undesirable consequences.
It is much better to drink warm drinks, adding to them any of the ingredients you like from the above or a combination thereof.
Is it good to take a sauna when you have a cold?
At the right approach a sauna or steam bath is an effective cure for acute respiratory infections. Influenced high temperatures observed:
- opening of pores;
- increased blood circulation;
- activation of leukocyte production;
- inhalation effect (in the bath).
But such steam procedures are useful only at the very beginning of the development of the disease or after recovery. In such a situation, one can hope for fast treatment, and in the best case, to completely stop the progress of the disease.
IN acute period, at elevated temperatures they can not only provoke a deterioration of the condition, but also cause dangerous consequences– myocardial infarction.
Folk remedies
Perhaps, colds, especially those caused by viruses, is one of the few categories of pathologies that can be effectively treated with traditional medicine. As the most effective recipes What to drink for colds and coughs can be given:
A mixture of honey, ginger root and lemon, able to quickly eliminate inflammation and stop the development of the disease. A large lemon is peeled and seeds removed and cut into slices. They and ginger (300 g) are ground in a meat grinder, 200 ml of liquid honey is added.
The resulting mass is thoroughly kneaded, transferred to a glass jar, tightly closed with a lid and stored in the refrigerator. You need to eat it 1 teaspoon, dissolving it in a small amount of water or warm tea three times a day.
Mulled wine for colds for adults. Pour 200 g of water into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add cinnamon, anise, cardamom and cloves to taste and leave to infuse. After 10 minutes, pour a bottle of red wine into the mixture, add the zest of one lemon and several apple slices.
The drink is left to infuse and cool for 30 minutes. As soon as its temperature reaches 40 °C, add 2 tablespoons of honey.
Viburnum is red, which has pronounced antiviral properties. Grind 2 tablespoons of berries together with a small amount of sugar in a glass or ceramic container. Transfer to a cup, add some black tea leaves and pour boiling water over it. You can drink this drink 1-2 times a day.
Cranberry juice. The juice is squeezed out of the berries, and the cake is poured with water and boiled over low heat for 5 minutes. The juice is poured into the resulting broth and sugar is added to taste. Cranberries have antipyretic properties and help strengthen the immune system. You can drink 100-150 ml of fruit drink twice a day.
Infusions medicinal plants: chamomile flowers, calendula, yarrow herb, coltsfoot. These herbs exhibit an anti-inflammatory effect, so infusions based on them are used to gargle and rinse the nose. To prepare them, 1 tbsp is enough. l. pour 200 ml of boiling water over the raw materials and leave until completely cool.
However, in advanced forms of the disease or if diagnosed chronic form tonsillitis, etc., traditional medicine recipes can be taken exclusively as a supplement to the main therapy. In this case, treatment can only be done under the supervision of a doctor.
What should I take to prevent colds and flu?
It is impossible to completely protect yourself from colds, because we all come into contact with a huge number of people every day and are at risk of freezing or getting our feet wet.
Therefore, in order not to get sick in the autumn-spring period and not to think about what medications to use for colds and runny nose, you can resort to the help of products pharmaceutical companies and drink vitamins.
But a more rational approach to the problem
- rejection of bad habits;
- transition to a healthy balanced diet;
- daily consumption of fruits and vegetables in sufficient quantities;
- regular hiking in the fresh air.
It is not advisable to drink tableted vitamin C to prevent acute respiratory infections. It has already been proven that in this form it is absorbed into the blood in minimal quantities, unable to have any effect on the course of the disease.
It is much more rational to consume fruits and vegetables that contain ascorbic acid in large quantities, for example, bell peppers, kiwi, citrus fruits, cranberries, sea buckthorn, etc.
How much vitamin C is present in them can be seen in special tables, but the main thing is that fresh vegetables and fruits, it is much lighter and is absorbed by the body in large volumes.
(11
ratings, average: 4,55
out of 5)
A cold, or acute respiratory disease, occurs as a result of hypothermia of the body against the background of decreased local immunity. A weakened body easily becomes infected with a viral infection. Light form A cold is accompanied by a runny nose, cough, sore throat, and sometimes fever. The body can cope with the disease on its own, but to speed up the healing process you should know what to take when you have a cold.
Symptomatic treatment
Depending on the location of the source of inflammation, bronchitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis and other exacerbations may develop. To prevent this, take medications to combat the following manifestations of a cold:
- A sore throat. Frequent rinsing with herbal decoctions or saline solution is mandatory. Among medical supplies Falimint, lyzobact, faringosept are effective.
- Runny nose. Sprays based on sea water– aquamaris, otrivin. Can be done saline solution yourself and rinse your nose with it - 1 teaspoon of salt (preferably sea salt) per 500 ml boiled water. These procedures help flush out mucus and infection from the nasal passages. For difficulty breathing, use vasoconstrictor drops - naphthyzin, sanorin. But you should not use them for more than 10 days. Otherwise, addiction to the action of the drug occurs.
- Cough. To alleviate the condition, take mucolytic agents that thin the sputum - ambroxol, bromhexine, ACC.
- Heat. It is recommended to lower the temperature with the help of medications when it rises above 38˚C. For these purposes, you can take paracetamol or aspirin. For children under 16 years of age, only paracetamol is indicated. Aspirin based on acetylsalicylic acid, can cause serious complications at a young age, as well as in people with gastrointestinal problems.
- Weakness. When you have a cold, your body needs vitamins. Buy vitamin C in tablets or ampoules, which contain it in high concentrations. Consume up to 1000 mg per day.
You should know that taking antibiotics for a cold is a mistake. Because most often it is caused by viruses, and antibiotics attack bacteria. As a result, instead of recovery, deterioration of the condition and indigestion occurs, since beneficial microflora the body is destroyed. Bacteria can cause colds, but much less frequently. Therefore, only a doctor can prescribe antibiotics based on test results.
You should also not take various powders constantly and in large quantities. cold medicines, like Theraflu or Fervex. They eliminate the symptoms of the disease, but do not cure it. They can be used as a one-time remedy when there is an urgent need for rapid improvement. Active ingredient of these medications is paracetamol. Its excessive consumption negatively affects the kidneys and liver. When the temperature rises, the body produces antibodies to the virus, and repeated use of such drugs prevents this process.
Antiviral drugs
These drugs stimulate the human immune system and block pathogens. But even their effectiveness today is not absolute. Firstly, they have not been released so long ago that side effects and the reliability of their influence can be assessed. Secondly, new strains of viruses resistant to existing drugs. Thirdly, recovery is often due not to taking antiviral drugs, but to the action of one’s own immune system in combination with symptomatic therapy.
Anti-virus agents are divided into the following categories:
- vaccines - taken before epidemics so that antibodies are developed in the body before infection;
- immunostimulants - drugs that cause the production of interferons. Popular remedies are Kagocel, Cytovir;
- interferon preparations – signal the body’s cells about the need to inactivate the virus, for example, viferon, intron;
- Antiviral drugs themselves block parts of the virus, preventing its reproduction in the cells of the body. Effective remedies– arbidol, zanamivir, remantadine, relena.
Antiviral drugs are most effective at the onset of the disease. The most effective of them, as a rule, have serious side effects that affect the liver, kidneys, heart and other organs. Homeopathic medicines based on plant components are harmless, but they do not always have an effective effect on the course of the disease. Among such products, aflubin, imupret and altabor are in demand.
You should be careful with the frequent use of immunostimulating drugs to prevent diseases. Excessive activation of the immune system is just as dangerous as its insufficiency. This can lead to the development of autoimmune processes in the body - rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and others.
When choosing what to drink when you have the flu, you must strictly follow your doctor’s recommendations. The symptoms and consequences of this disease are much more serious than the common cold, so a visit to the hospital is mandatory. After the tests, the therapist will prescribe an antiviral drug that is effective against a specific type of influenza. But it is best to prevent the development of the disease and get vaccinated in advance.
Natural methods to fight colds
For the disease to progress quickly and without complications, it is not necessary to take a large number of medications. It is enough to notice the malaise in time and help your body cope with it:
- maintain bed rest;
- regularly ventilate the room and humidify the air to 50–70%;
- drink plenty of warm, but not hot, liquid;
- eat foods that are easy to digest and rich in vitamins.
Effective remedies for runny nose and cough are inhalations based on essential oils or boiled potatoes. You can breathe beneficial vapors over the pan, covered with a towel, or use a special apparatus. The first option is contraindicated for people suffering from hypertension. To improve the condition, inhalations should be carried out 1-2 times a day for at least 5 minutes.
It is useful to consume foods containing phytoncides - onions, garlic, ginger root. They can also be cut up and simply placed in the patient’s room. The volatile substances of these products disinfect the air.
At the first symptoms of malaise, while the temperature is still within normal limits, you can carry out warming procedures - put on mustard plasters, steam your feet or take a bath, stick pepper plaster on your feet. To treat rhinitis, you should warm up your sinuses as often as possible.
You can fight a cold with the following folk remedies:
1. To reduce fever, use:
- tea with lemon, ginger, raspberries or viburnum;
- tea or milk with honey, preferably linden. Add a tablespoon of honey to one glass of liquid;
- cranberry or lingonberry juice.
2. To treat cough:
- For one glass of milk put one teaspoon of honey and butter;
- brew the breast mixture;
- decoction of licorice or plantain root;
- radish juice and honey. To do this, you need to cut off half the vegetable, make a hole in it and put a tablespoon of honey there. The next day, drink the resulting mixture.
3. To relieve the inflammatory process, drink herbal decoctions:
- Brew one tablespoon of chamomile in boiling water for an hour. Drink throughout the day;
- black elderberry extract;
- make a mixture of black elderberry, mint and linden flowers in equal proportions. Pour one tablespoon of the mixture into 500 ml of boiling water and boil for 10 minutes. The decoction should be strained and drunk 1-2 cups warm before bed;
- mix linden flowers with raspberries and pour 500 ml of boiling water over two tablespoons of the mixture, cook for 7 minutes. Drink the strained broth at night;
- Brew 1 teaspoon of dry basil in a glass hot water, drink during the day;
- take 20 rosehips in a glass of water, bring to a boil and boil for 10 minutes under the lid, leave for a day. Drink the strained solution throughout the day.
You should not drink alcohol tinctures during a flu or cold. Although the herbs in their composition can be beneficial for the body, alcohol only weakens a person’s defenses.
It is best to prepare for the cold season in advance by strengthening your body natural ways. To do this, you need to eat right, rest, exercise and practice hardening. If it was not possible to protect yourself from the disease, treatment should be started as early as possible.
