First aid for the common cold: symptoms with the right resources, alleviate
The first rays of sun show up, the temperatures are rising and yet many of Bremen’s plagued with a cold. The Name suggests that the disease cold favors – this direct connection there is to the scientific. Triggers viruses that are transmitted by droplet infection and a weakened immune system. This can be a sore throat, a runny nose, cough, fatigue, and in part to increased temperature or fever cause. The chamber of pharmacists of Bremen, explains how infection can be prevented and what are the means of relief, if it caught a but.
“The number of colds rises because of the current weather calls for the immune system strong Through the fluctuating temperatures, the body has to work harder in order to keep the optimal body temperature. This costs strength, which is missing in turn in the defense against infections,“ says Sebastian Köhler, member of the management Board of the chamber of pharmacists of Bremen. “In addition, heated air strained the mucous membranes, which are thus more susceptible to pathogens,” adds Köhler.
The infection usually occurs by airborne droplets When Talking, coughing or Sneezing tiny saliva-droplets with pathogens in the air and be inhaled by other people. In addition, the virus can also be transmitted from doorknobs or tram grab handles on the hands. The people of the mouth, nose or eyes, the excitation of the mucous membranes in the body. In total, there are more than 200 cold viruses, which constantly change their Form.
Duration of the disease
As the saying goes, the cold comes three days, stays three days and goes for three days. The disease is very individual. Simplify: no complications, the discomfort usually after three to seven days, and subsided after two weeks. “Do not improve the symptoms after a week, or you are very strong, have an examination by a physician is advisable in order to associated infections such as a tonsil, middle ear or inflammation of the lungs to rule out or treat it if necessary in addition,” says Köhler. In the case of strong, long-lasting symptoms, it can also be a serious flu, which continues sometimes for weeks and, unlike a cold, often fever above 38.5°C and higher occur, frequently accompanied by a particularly pronounced fatigue as well as headache and pain in the limbs.
This gives relief
The common cold heals, mostly, however, various medications and home remedies can relieve the symptoms. Generally speaking, sick people should rest and sleep so the immune system to combat the virus. In addition, the body requires plenty of liquids: adults should drink about two litres a day to moisturize the mucous membranes sufficiently. “Warm beer does not help, however, this is a myth. Alcohol weakens the body’s immune system and irritates the mucous membranes, which is counterproductive. Instead, I recommend hot milk with honey – soothes A sore throat and difficulty in swallowing. Special Erkältungstee is also beneficial for the mucous membranes,“ explains Köhler.
In the case of a runny nose decongestant nose drops can be – for example, with the active ingredients are Xylometazoline or Oxymetazoline – in the short term, useful. Caught a cold, however, should resort to preparations without the preservative benzalkonium chloride, as these are more acceptable for the nose. It is important to note that a nasal spray or drops, a maximum of one – up to twice a day and in total not longer than seven days. Otherwise, it can lead to a dependency. The nose is sore can be ointments with the soothing active ingredient of Dexpanthenol contribute to the healing.
For the relief of the cough stimulus, and the humidification of the respiratory tract, to inhale two to three times a day with sage, thyme, or essential Oils such as eucalyptus. “Infants and small children should not inhale, as you may be scalded. In addition, may be applied in the case of no means with Menthol, since these can lead to respiratory standstill,“ warns Koehler. In addition, vegetable mucus, promote solver, for example, with eucalyptus, or ivy extract, or chemical, with potassium iodide, Ambroxol and N-acetylcysteine drain the Mucus.
Affected suffer from pain in the neck can help, for example, lozenges with Icelandic moss or sage. These form a protective Film on the mucous membrane that protects from irritation. In addition, the end products with lidocaine or benzocaine are pain available, stunning the local.
Fever is a natural defense process of the body, stimulates the immune system to fight pathogens. Therefore, it should not be lowered immediately. “From a body temperature of 38.5°C fever can be-lowering measures are taken to conserve the cycle. Here have proven to be Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen, which act at the same time also headache and pain in the limbs,“ advises Köhler. Moreover, the calf wrap may help to reduce the fever. This should not however only be used if the Patient is cold and the circulation is stable.
Mostly completely pointless, however, antibiotics. These are effective against bacteria and not against the common cold-causing viruses. Also flu and cold remedies, so-called combination preparations, not often bring the desired effect. “There is not a medicine, what cures a common cold in the blink of an eye. Nevertheless, a variety of means and measures can relieve the symptoms and facilitate healing. An experienced local pharmacist can advise you individually and in detail,“ says Koehler of the chamber of pharmacists of Bremen. “Especially in the case of children, it is important to use child-friendly medicines, and to observe the age-appropriate dosage. Also, Pregnant women should ask before taking any medication or herbal remedies, always consult a doctor or pharmacist for advice,“ explains Köhler.
Clever to prevent
During the cold season, it is said: to Sick close contact and gatherings of people in enclosed areas, if possible, to avoid and frequent, thorough hand washing. “Who is healthy, can strengthen his immune system through visits to the sauna, contrast showers, sports and walks in the fresh air. A well-balanced and vitamin-rich diet also helps prevent a cold. Especially Vitamin C, which is contained in citrus fruits, should be good for the immune system,“ advises Köhler.