Drug treatment for colds

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Inexpensive and effective cold medicines. How to treat a cold

Curing a cold can sometimes be downright difficult, especially during the epidemic season, when everyone around you is sick. This unpleasant pathology is accompanied by nasal congestion, the throat and head begin to hurt, the temperature rises, and performance is lost.

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Fortunately, citizens who do not want to get sick can choose the most suitable option from a wide pharmacy range - recently a lot of drugs for colds and flu have been produced. By successfully choosing a remedy and taking it in a timely manner, you can quickly eliminate the unpleasant manifestations of the disease. Due to their widespread use, anti-cold medications are relatively inexpensive. However, for lovers of natural approaches there are many folk recipes - they are even cheaper than pharmaceutical drugs, but are completely safe.

Sore throat: first aid

The simplest and cheapest option, known to the general public and telling how to treat a cold, is to use a solution of salt and soda. This home remedy is effective when your throat just starts to hurt. Having noticed the primary symptoms, it is necessary to dilute the substance in water and rinse your mouth regularly. Calendula and eucalyptus in the form of a tincture will also bring benefits - take a glass of heated, but not too hot water for one tablespoon of the composition. The frequency of procedures is once every couple of hours until the symptom exhausts itself.

For people who prefer pharmaceutical medications, we can recommend Septefril. For a package containing a dozen capsules, pharmacies charge a little more than 20 rubles. This drug for colds and flu is an antiseptic, has a broad effect, therefore it is used for pharyngitis, stomatitis, and can provide significant assistance to patients with candidiasis. It is prescribed even for sore throat. Tablets are used up to six times per day. For maximum effect, you need to keep them in your mouth until the product dissolves. It is allowed to combine Septefril and antimicrobial drugs, as it enhances their effectiveness. True, in each specific case you should check with your doctor whether this is worth doing.

Eucalyptus for sore throat

When figuring out how to treat a cold, you should pay attention to Chlorophyllipt. This drug is made from eucalyptus, and its main active component is chlorophyll extracted from this plant. The remedy shows the most striking effect in the treatment of staphylococcal invasion. It is prescribed for the treatment of sore throat and tonsillitis. It is rare that a course of treatment for pharyngitis can be done without Chlorophyllipt.

This cold medicine for children and adults is on sale in the form of an alcohol-based solution. An alternative is a somewhat oily substance. You can buy "Chlorophyllipt" in tablet form. Any of the options works quickly, eliminating severe sore throat. If purulent plugs are detected on the tonsils, a course of treatment with this remedy helps to quickly get rid of them. The alcohol solution is suitable for regular rinsing, and the oil is designed for nasal administration by drops. The product quickly and effectively eliminates swelling.

What else should I try?

Among others, Streptocide cold tablets have proven themselves well. The product is also sold as a powder. The medicine has one serious drawback - a pronounced bitter taste. Doctors usually recommend taking it mixed with honey. However, the unpleasant taste sensations are offset by the quick effect of taking it.

Another widely used cold medicine is Miramistin. It is sold as a solution. It is more often used for sore throat caused by bacterial invasion or viral infection, but shows no worse results for laryngitis. "Miramistin" can be successfully used in the treatment of tonsillitis and pharyngitis. The drug belongs to the group of antiseptics and shows good results in infectious, bacterial, and fungal diseases. In addition to the solution used to gargle, it is available in tablets and aerosols.

I can not breathe!

Modern, inexpensive cold medications will help not only overcome a sore throat, but also quickly relieve the unpleasant symptoms of nasal congestion. Most often, doctors advise trying Sanorin. It is inexpensive, has been used for a long time and has proven itself to be a reliable, effective medicinal composition with a wide spectrum of action. It is used for a runny nose, regardless of what exactly provoked the unpleasant syndrome. The product constricts blood vessels, relieves swelling and makes breathing easier. True, you can use it for no longer than a week - after that, addiction begins. Long-term use of Sanorin is especially dangerous for people with chronic rhinitis. Do not use the medicine if your blood pressure is higher than normal.

Another effective cold medicine that eliminates a runny nose is called Pinosol. It belongs to the group of combined remedies. Active ingredients are natural oils extracted from eucalyptus, mint, and pine. The product fights microbes and inhibits inflammatory processes, activates blood flow in the nasal mucosa. In some cases, the doctor may recommend using Pinosol even during pregnancy, since the drug belongs to the category of especially safe for the human body.

Alternative options

When choosing a drug for colds, you should pay attention to Naphthyzin. This medication has proven itself well as it constricts blood vessels. It has a long lasting, bright effect. Approved for use in seven-day courses, but not longer. Otherwise, there is a high probability of addiction.

Among the best cold medicines is Galazolin, made with xylometazoline. When used correctly, swelling subsides and hyperemia of the nasal mucosa can be quickly eliminated. Quite quickly the patient can breathe normally, without difficulty. The product is intended for use in a course of no more than five days. You should not contact him if tachycardia is detected or it is determined that rhinitis is of an atrophic nature.

Natural and safe

When choosing what to take for a cold to get rid of a runny nose, you should pay attention to essential oils. The most useful are those extracted from mint and eucalyptus. The product is very simple to use - just lightly lubricate the nasal passages. It is very important to choose the oil and not the infusion, which can cause a drying effect and provoke a worsening of the situation.

If you have a very severe runny nose, you can try rinsing. To do this, take a teaspoon of ordinary table salt into a large glass and add a few drops of calendula infusion. The product is used for regular washing. Before use, you should consult a doctor. The doctor will recommend the frequency of procedures and the duration of the treatment course per day.

If your temperature rises

It is better to choose which cold medicines will help with a high temperature if you have the opportunity to consult a doctor. In general, you need to bring down the fever only in a situation where the temperature rises above 38 degrees. The most common and universal option is acetylsalicylic acid, which eliminates fever and relieves pain. The product can be used up to six times a day. It is recommended to take it after a meal with plenty of water.

Cold tablets that relieve fever are on sale in abundance, and not least are drugs containing mefenamic acid. It inhibits inflammation, relieves pain and reduces fever. The medicine is recommended for fever and severe pain associated with elevated temperature.

What else should I try?

A literally universal, extremely common version of the drug for colds is paracetamol tablets. These can be found in the home medicine cabinet of any modern family. Paracetamol is a compound that effectively reduces fever, but rarely provokes side effects or allergic reactions. Allowed for use after meals up to 4 times daily.

Ibuprofen is no less common and useful. This cold medicine helps with fever and eliminates joint pain caused by it. The product relieves headaches. Quite often, Ibuprofen is prescribed as part of an integrated therapeutic approach for a disease caused by infection or inflammation.

Maintaining your strength

The newest cold medications are not only products designed to combat specific manifestations of pathology, but also effective compounds that support the strength of the immune system. There are several options on sale, but the most widely used is regular ascorbic acid. It is sold on its own, but you can choose a vitamin complex, since vitamin C is included in almost any such preparation. Thanks to the saturation of tissues with this compound, the body becomes stronger, immunological reactions increase efficiency, and the strength of resistance to the infectious agent increases.

Echinacea also has a positive effect on the immune system. Pharmacies offer a large selection of products based on this plant, from tablets to tinctures. You can buy herbal tea for brewing yourself. This immune stimulant is completely natural, good as a preventative during an epidemic, and helps maintain the body’s strength during the treatment of colds and flu. It is used as an element of an integrated approach in treating a patient. An alternative option with similar properties is “Immunal”.

Local use

Perhaps the most famous drug for local use since the time of the Soviet Union is “Zvezdochka”. This balm can still be found in almost every home today. The product is made on a plant base and has a combined effect. The drug is based on mint extracts, cinnamon, clove compounds, components extracted from camphor, eucalyptus. The balm is good if you need to cure colds, flu, runny nose, or cope with headaches. The use of “Golden Star” is unacceptable if there are wounds or inflammations on the skin.

Not less often, mustard plasters are installed at home. This remedy has shown its effectiveness not only for simple colds, but also as part of a course of treatment for pneumonia. Mustard powder can be used for influenza. The drug helps warm up the body tissues, increases the natural forces of fighting the disease.

The most common options: Teraflu

This antiviral drug for colds is most effective when the disease is just beginning. The medicine is available in powders and tablets. In general, doctors recommend choosing powder, since the effectiveness of this form is higher and the reaction is observed faster. You can notice a positive effect soon after the first use. Usually the sachet is diluted with an incomplete glass of hot water. To improve the taste, you can add sugar. It is allowed to use up to three servings of the medicine per day, and the duration of the therapeutic course is no more than a week. Theraflu is good as an element of adjuvant therapy. If the body does not react, you should consult a doctor to replace it with a more suitable option.

Sachets: large selection

If Theraflu did not help, it is quite possible that another antiviral drug for colds, which is no less widespread, Coldrex, will be effective. This complex remedy helps fight colds. The effectiveness, as well as the logic of the influence on the human body, is close to the composition described above. Statistical studies have shown that more than half of patients feel an improvement in their condition after the first dose. Coldrex eliminates headaches and activates the immune system. The powder is intended for dilution in hot water, one serving per 100 ml. The manufacturer recommends using no more than three sachets per day, otherwise there is a chance of a negative effect on the liver and kidneys. The duration of the therapeutic course is up to 5 days; in rare cases, at the insistence of the doctor, treatment can be extended for another two days.

Fervex has a similar effect. This drug has also been known for quite a long time and has proven itself well. Among other antiviral drugs for colds, it stands out for its wide variety of flavors. Sachets are intended for dilution in hot water and combined with sweeteners. You can use up to three servings per day, and the duration of the course is the same as the option described above - five days in the general case, in severe cases - up to 7 days. If the remedy is used to bring down a fever, you should use it for no more than three days in a row. If the temperature continues to remain high, you should urgently seek qualified medical help.

Heavy artillery

When the viral nature of the disease is identified, Kagocel is often prescribed. The product is available in tablet form and shows good results against flu and colds. A good effect can only be achieved through a course of treatment - 18 consecutive doses. For the first two days, the patient uses two tablets three times a day, 20 minutes before meals. From the third day, the dosage is halved: one tablet is taken at a time. The logic of administration remains the same: three times a day before meals for half an hour. Make sure that no more than 18 tablets are taken.

In some cases, the doctor recommends using Ergoferon. This drug is suitable for the treatment of adult patients. For the first two hours, the medicine is used with an interval of half an hour, drinking four servings in succession. Treatment is continued, using the composition every five hours. From the second day until complete recovery, Ergoferon is taken one tablet with a meal. If indicated, the doctor may recommend using a portion of this medicine daily after recovery. The course duration reaches six months. This is practiced if the disease was accompanied by pulmonary complications.

Efficient and effective

The antiviral drug Oscillococcinum has proven itself to be effective against both colds and flu. The product is quite expensive, but it works quickly and accurately. It belongs to the homeopathic family and is sold in a package of pills. The medicine is intended for oral use; you can first dissolve it in water. The therapeutic course involves the use of one tablet if the disease is mild. If the disease is relatively severe, Oscillococcinum should be used twice a day. The duration of the therapeutic course is from one to five days.

A number of doctors are convinced that such a drug (like some described above) is not only useless, but even dangerous. There is an opinion that drugs inhibit the body's defenses. This is most pronounced with prolonged systematic use. To avoid unpleasant consequences, before starting treatment you should consult a doctor and undergo an examination to determine the nature of the pathology.

Cold drops

Perhaps the most widespread remedy in this category is Aflubin. It activates the body's defenses, supports the immune system, and inhibits the virus. Adult patients are recommended to use the medicine in the amount of ten drops up to eight times daily. This is especially true if the patient suffers from a sore throat or suffers from fever. For mild forms of the disease, the manufacturer recommends using Aflubin four times daily for 5-10 days.

Another popular drop is called “Nazoferon”. They are intended for instillation into the nose. The product is used daily up to five times, one serving in each sinus. The duration of the course is from five days to twice as long. Some patients complain of dry mucous membranes during treatment. Whether it is worth using such a spray, you should first check with your doctor.

Capsules against colds and flu

The name “Avirol” has proven itself well. This remedy stimulates the immune system and strengthens the body's own strength. The effect is most pronounced in respiratory pathologies. One capsule should be used daily for two weeks. The time of administration does not depend on meals. After two weeks, use must be completely stopped to prevent addiction.

Another reliable capsule in pharmacies is sold under the name “Amizon Max”. They are effective against flu and colds. The product is quite strong and completely eliminates the manifestations of pathology in just a week. Intended for oral administration one hour before meals. Frequency of use – at least two, but no more than four times daily. The doctor must choose a specific option after assessing the severity of the disease. It is known that Amizon Max can provoke a disorder in the functioning of the intestinal tract.

How to treat a child?

Pharmaceutical companies produce specialized drugs for young patients. For example, Antiflu Kids has proven itself well.

It is intended for the treatment of six-year-old children and older patients. In rare cases, the medicine is used in the treatment of young children, but only when such practice is coordinated with the attending physician who is able to assess all the risks of the situation. The product is sold as a tasty syrup and powder. The syrup should be used, selecting the dose taking into account the patient’s body weight. The sachets are diluted in one hundred milliliters of liquid and used up to four times daily. This course of treatment lasts no more than two days, after which the frequency is halved. The general therapeutic program lasts for five days.

Another reliable option is the children's form "Antigrippin". These are tablets that hiss when they come in contact with water. Intended for the treatment of patients three years of age and older. At the age of 3-5 years, you should use half a tablet diluted in half a glass of clean water; from the age of five you can use a whole tablet. Up to four doses are allowed per day. The duration of the therapeutic course is three days on your own, up to five days under the supervision of a doctor.

Source: http://www.syl.ru/article/372246/nedorogie-i-effektivnyie-preparatyi-ot-prostudyi-kak-lechitsya-ot-prostudyi

Fast-acting antiviral agents

A cold can strike each of us when it is completely unacceptable to get sick. When you need to be as focused and full of energy as possible, your nose suddenly starts running and your throat feels sore. They are followed by sneezing and coughing, accompanied by weakness and high fever. In this situation, urgent measures are required. A quick-acting cold remedy will get you back on your feet in time.

How to quickly cure a cold at home

The key to quick healing is to take all necessary measures at the first alarm bell. If the illness occurs for an obvious reason, due to inattention to the immune system or hypothermia, and the symptoms are not a manifestation of the influenza virus, then you can use the following home treatment tips and quick-acting cold remedies.

  1. Take your temperature. If the mark on the scale has not reached 38 degrees, then you should not take antipyretics for a cold.
  2. Vitamin C. At the beginning of the disease, a large dose of ascorbic acid will effectively help the body with a cold for a speedy recovery. The best option would be an effervescent vitamin - it is absorbed faster and warms. Five oranges a day will be a natural alternative to pills or capsules and will help treat colds.
  3. Drink a lot of water, tea, compotes, fruit drinks. They must be warm, this will help remove toxins, which is important for colds.
  4. Get as much sleep as possible. After drinking a warm drink and crawling under the covers, wearing warm socks and clothes, get as much sleep as possible. Sweating while sleeping is an important part of recovering from a cold. It is better to observe bed rest while in hospital.
  5. If it is not possible to maintain bed rest during illness, you have to deal with weakness, and effective work and concentration are out of the question. To avoid such a situation, you should pay attention to anti-cold medications, which are effective not only against symptoms, but also against general weakness. For example, the modern anti-cold drug Influnet helps to get rid of the symptoms of ARVI, but also, due to the succinic acid included in its composition, helps to cope with lethargy and loss of strength.
  6. The room should be frequently ventilated.
  7. Stay warm. If there is no high temperature, then you can steam your feet and take a hot shower.
  8. Take your vitamins. Such support will be useful for the body during colds. It is best if he gets it from fruits, but if this is not possible, they should be replaced with pills from the pharmacy.
  9. Medicines to treat colds. Quick-acting cold remedies sold in the form of diluted teas and powders that should be poured into hot water are suitable. It is permissible to consume three or four of these sachets during the day, but the course should not last more than three days. Powders for colds with Paracetamol reduce fever, eliminate chills, and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Immunostimulating medications will help in treatment. Antiviral medications for colds and flu help kill the infection. If the disease drags on, switch to antibiotic injections.
  10. Remedies for runny nose, cough and sore throat. If your palate hurts, you can choose either lollipops or mixtures, rinses and sprays. Drops will help you cope with a runny nose, among which it is better to choose not powerful vasoconstrictors, but medicines containing herbs. A sea salt solution will be useful for rinsing the nose. A cold often does not produce sputum, so regular cough suppressants will suffice. If phlegm does appear in the bronchi, you should use a means to remove it.
  11. Fluid intake. Warm tea, compote or juice promotes sweating and recovery, while removing toxins that prevent the body from fighting a cold. Plain water will not be the best remedy, and carbonated drinks will not help your recovery. You should drink as much as you feel necessary, without overpowering yourself.
  12. Vodka. Alcohol should be warmed up a little and rubbed all over the body. This remedy will help quickly relieve high fever.

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List of the best new generation flu and cold medicines

Today, several classes of drugs are recommended:

  1. Antiviral. For example, the innovative drug Ingavirin, which has shown its effectiveness against influenza viruses type A, B, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, and other acute respiratory viral infections. The use of the drug in the first two days of the disease helps to accelerate the elimination of viruses from the body, reduce the duration of the disease, and reduce the risk of complications.
  2. “Theraflu”, “Coldrex”, “Fervex”, “Antigrippin”, “Grippferon”, “Anvimax”, “Influnet” (antipyretics and sore throat relievers, against influenza and ARVI)
  3. "Acetylcysteine", "Ambroxol", "Bromhexine", "Carbocysteine" (expectorants)
  4. “Butamirate”, “Glaucin”, “Prenoxdiazine”, “Levodropropizine” (drugs for dry cough).
  5. Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Aspirin (antipyretics).
  6. Drops based on xylometazoline, naphazoline (vasoconstrictor for a runny nose).

Review of fast-acting remedies for colds on the lips

Colds that occur on the lips are often herpes - the Herpes Simplex virus, which affects 95 percent of the world's population. Once in the body, it exists unnoticed and “turns on” when the human body is weakened by hypothermia, lack of vitamins, nutrients or other diseases. There are many effective ointments to combat herpes. These products should be applied to areas of the lips affected by colds several times a day, the course should not exceed 5 days.

You should not use your fingers when applying the product due to the risk of transferring the virus to another place. Among the common names of ointments for colds, the best ones include “Acyclovir”, “Gerpferon”, “Zovirax”, “Gerpevir”. The main active substance in them is acyclovir, which prevents the multiplication of the virus. Tromantadine-based ointments are available, such as Viru-Merz.

What antiviral drugs can children take?

If a child exhibits symptoms of ARVI and if for some reason a doctor is unavailable, measures should be taken to combat the disease in order to prevent complications. If, after all the simple remedies have been tried, the disease does not recede, you will have to resort to antiviral drugs, but only those that are specifically intended for children. Tamiflu, Remantadine, Relenza, Amantadine are considered acceptable.

If bronchitis occurs in infants, then Ribavirin will help, and if the child’s body is weakened or has heart problems, Synagis will be the best choice. Tamiflu is acceptable for use by children over the age of one year, and Arbidol flu tablets can be given from three years of age. “Interferon” for solution is used at any age, as well as homeopathic drugs such as “Aflubin”, “Anaferon”, “Oscillococcinum”. To lower body temperature, Paracetamol or Nurofen and Ibuprofen syrups are suitable.

Effective folk remedies and herbs

  1. Blackberry tea. Grind dried blackberry leaves (1 tbsp), pour boiling water over them, strain after a couple of hours. Drink 30 minutes before eating. A good cough suppressant.
  2. Herbs (cough remedy). One tablespoon of wild strawberry leaves, raspberries, three tablespoons of blackberry leaves, dry crushed tricolor violet (1 tsp). All this needs to be mixed, use a tablespoon of the composition per glass of boiling water, let it brew covered for half an hour, strain. Reception: a glass a couple of times a day.
  3. Potato. This vegetable will help bring down the temperature. Grate two raw potatoes and mix with a tablespoon of vinegar (apple vinegar). Use the mixture to make compresses on the forehead.
  4. Viburnum and honey. A mild remedy for colds and runny nose. Mix one tablespoon of viburnum juice and honey, take half an hour before meals.
  5. Nettle, sage and lemongrass. The herbal tea is good for colds and flu. Mix dry crushed nettle leaves (3 tbsp), the same amount of schisandra chinensis shoots and sage (1 tbsp). Pour a teaspoon of the composition into a glass of boiling water, strain after a couple of hours. Reception: one glass in the morning and evening. If desired, you can add honey.

What is an inexpensive and effective remedy for preventing colds?

Very often, a cold in an adult occurs as a result of a weakened immune system. Exposure to external factors, poor nutrition, and lack of vitamins can lead to a loss of effectiveness of the immune system and increase the likelihood of infections entering the body. To avoid this, interferon inducers can be used. They will ensure the production of natural defenses by the body, which will allow it to successfully resist colds. This type of drugs includes:

The body needs vitamin support. To prevent colds, Vetoron, Gerimax, and Aevit will help. Preparations that help cope with the effects of the external environment - adaptogens - include extracts of lemongrass, eleutherococcus, and leuzea. Immunomodulators, such as Bioaron S, Immunal, Likopid, will help restore the strength of the immune system and will be useful for the prevention of colds and flu.

Antiviral medications used to prevent colds will help give the body additional strength in the fight against pathogens. The best are “Grippferon”, “Viferon”, “Arbidol”, “Amiksin”. Don't forget about honey and vitamin C - they will prevent the development of a cold. Echinacea is a cheap, simple preventative. Get more rest, give up cigarettes and don’t forget to take seasonal vitamins.

Video: what to do at the first sign of a cold

The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials in the article do not encourage self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and make recommendations for treatment based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

Source: http://sovets.net/5373-sredstvo-ot-prostudy-bystrogo-deistviya.html

Colds - treatments and medicines for colds, how to treat them?

Treatment methods with folk remedies

The common cold is often referred to as an acute respiratory illness caused by infection. Many people believe that colds are caused by hypothermia, but this is not true. Without a pathogen, the disease will not appear. Colds can be caused by viruses (in 80% of cases) or bacteria.

Causes of colds

In order to catch a cold, you need contact with a carrier of a virus or bacteria in the active phase. The source of infection can be a newly ill person who has not yet even developed symptoms of the disease. Contagiousness lasts 1–2 weeks or more, depending on the virus and complications.

Infection occurs through airborne droplets (coughing, sneezing, kissing), sometimes through household contact. Some types of infection survive in the external environment; they remain active in dried sputum that has landed on household items.

When a person has excellent immunity, the cells inside him fight the infection and immediately kill it, preventing him from getting sick. But when local or general immunity deteriorates, the body cannot cope with the pathogen and falls ill. A decrease in the body’s immune forces is facilitated by:
  • hypothermia;
  • being in a draft;
  • unbalanced diet;
  • nervous tension;
  • overwork;
  • chronic diseases.

Symptoms and signs of a cold

Most viral infections present with symptoms:

All these signs are most pronounced with the flu - in this case, cough, runny nose and sore throat are secondary problems. When infected with other types of viruses, the respiratory tract is damaged (laryngitis, tracheitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis) and local symptoms are primarily of concern.

Depending on the location and type of pathogen, symptoms may be observed:

  1. Nasal congestion – this occurs due to swelling and inflammation of the mucous membrane, accompanied by sneezing.
  2. Nasal discharge is clear when there is a virus, yellow and green when there is a bacterial infection.
  3. Pain and sore throat during a cold are a sign of inflammation of the oropharynx, accompanied by difficulty swallowing and refusal to eat. If there is a viral etiology, the pain is mild, but a bacterial infection causes severe pain. Visually in the throat there will be noticeable enlargement and redness of the tonsils, redness on the uvula and the back of the pharynx. White-yellow plaque on the tonsils indicates a bacterial etiology; in this case, consult a doctor.
  4. A cough during a cold can be dry, with copious or scanty mucus discharge. Transparent and viscous mucus from the throat indicates a viral etiology, but if the sputum becomes green or yellow, it is bacteria (pneumococcus, staphylococcus, hemophilus influenzae). A barking cough occurs with laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx) caused by influenza or parainfluenza. In young children with laryngitis, narrowing of the larynx may occur, manifested by difficulty or stopping breathing.
  5. Skin rashes rarely accompany a cold; they are mainly observed with the flu.
  6. Chest pain. Minor chest pain may occur during coughing because it uses the intercostal muscles. If the pain is felt deep in the lungs and appears when you inhale, immediately get examined by a specialist. This could be pleurisy or pneumonia.

What to do first when you have a cold

As soon as you feel the symptoms of a cold, start treating it.

  1. The first step is to cancel all appointments and stay home if possible.
  2. Stick to bed rest.
  3. Drink more water, warm tea, compote - liquid will help remove toxins through the kidneys and pores faster.
  4. Under no circumstances should you drink cold drinks when you have a cold.
  5. When the body temperature rises to 38.50C, it cannot be brought down, otherwise the body will stop fighting the pathogen. If the temperature rises higher, use antipyretics.

Immediate consultation with a doctor is required if:

- elderly patient (after 65 years);

- patient - child under 3 years old;

- there was a strong throbbing pain in the head of a certain localization;

— fever lasts more than 3 days;

- chest pain and severe weakness appeared;

— mucus discharge from the nasopharynx and oropharynx has acquired a yellow-green tint;

- the pain in the throat is too strong and does not give rest;

- a rash in the form of bruises or stars appears on the body;

- the patient has chronic diseases (bronchitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis and others);

— the patient has concomitant serious diseases (diabetes mellitus, immunodeficiency, oncology, pathologies of the blood, kidneys, liver, brain, and others).

If none of the above applies to you, but you care about your health and want to know the cause of your cold, make an appointment with your GP. The examination will require a general blood and urine test, examination of the pharynx and nasopharynx. The doctor will also ask you about how the disease is progressing and, if necessary, prescribe additional examinations.

Depending on the symptoms that most bother you, you will be prescribed symptomatic medications. After the cause of the cold becomes clear, antiviral or antibacterial drugs are prescribed.

Complications of a cold

A condition such as toxic encephalopathy can occur due to overheating of the body at a temperature of 40–410C and requires urgent medical intervention. Against the background of high fever, a sharp excitation of the nervous system appears. Avoid this condition and use antipyretic drugs. If the temperature rises again and again or does not subside, call a doctor.

Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (sinusitis, sinusitis, sinusitis) is another complication of a cold. In this case, the person experiences severe nasal congestion; the runny nose does not go away for a long time, but only worsens. The voice becomes nasal, pain appears at the location of the disease (in the forehead and bridge of the nose, on the left or right side of the nose). This condition requires examination in a hospital and treatment with antibiotics. At first glance, inflammation of the paranasal sinuses seems harmless, because many people experience it. But if the disease is not treated in time, the infection can enter the brain (meningitis, meningoencephalitis), which will threaten the patient’s life.

The most common complication of laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx - caused by parainfluenza) in children is “false croup” - narrowing of the lumen of the larynx due to swelling of the mucous membrane. The condition most often appears in the evening or at night during a cold. At first, the child breathes heavily and has a “barking” cough. After a short time, if the child does not get help, breathing stops. Therefore, when you notice the first symptoms of a cold, as mentioned above, immediately dial the emergency number, rather than wait until the next day.

An untreated cold can turn into more serious illnesses (otitis media, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, meningitis, myocarditis, etc.). A cold often aggravates existing serious or chronic diseases, so carrying it “on your feet” and self-medicating is dangerous.

How to cure a cold at home

In addition to etiotropic and symptomatic therapy for colds, it is necessary to maintain bed rest and drink plenty of fluids - neither cold nor hot.

The following have good properties for treating colds: tea with ginger, lemon, raspberries or lemon balm, water with honey and lemon, dried fruit compotes, berry fruit drinks, rose hip decoction.

The liquid helps get rid of toxins that poison the body, and when coughing it helps to better remove sputum.

Eat a balanced diet, do not eat fried, smoked, spicy or fatty foods. Food should be boiled, steamed or baked.

Taking multivitamins and ascorbic acid will not hurt. All these activities will help improve immunity and speedy recovery.

Antibiotics for colds, how to treat them

What medications can you take for a cold? The main task of medicines is to influence the cause of the disease. Therefore, it is advisable to take antiviral or antibacterial drugs as prescribed by a doctor.

The group of antiviral drugs includes the following antibiotics:

  • Anaferon;
  • Amiksin;
  • Amizon;
  • Aflubin;
  • Arbidol;
  • Oscillococcinum;
  • Cycloferon;
  • Groprinosin – simultaneously fights the virus and increases the body’s defenses;
  • Tamiflu is the drug with the most powerful effect;
  • Kipferon - suppositories with interferon;
  • Grippferon - nasal drops.
  • Increased immunity is promoted by:
  • Immunal;
  • Grippferon;
  • Immudon.

If herpes appears in the nose, local antiviral ointments will help:

If the cause of the cold is harmful bacteria, or an acute respiratory viral infection is complicated by the addition of purulent inflammation, the doctor will definitely prescribe antibiotics. There are local medications with an antibacterial effect, but it is better to take tablets orally or by injection. After taking them, the patient's condition should improve within 48 hours. But you cannot stop taking the drug; you must take it for 5–7 days, and if there is no effect, replace it with another one.

The most commonly used treatments for the respiratory tract are:

  1. Amoxicillin, Augmentin - effective for sore throat, pharyngitis, frontal sinusitis.
  2. Levofloxacin, Morsifloxacin - used for damage to any ENT organs.
  3. Clarithromycin, Azithromycin are the best antibiotics for otitis, pharyngitis and sinusitis.
  4. Cefatoxime, Ceftriaxone - for people who were not suitable for previous groups of drugs.

Any antibiotics can be started only as prescribed by a doctor.

Treatment of cough and cold

The cough can be dry, with copious or scanty mucus discharge. Depending on this, drugs of the required group are taken.

Treatment of runny nose for colds

People who have a cold experience a runny nose no less often than a sore throat. If not treated correctly, this disease can drag on for a long time.

Fighting general malaise

Combined cold remedies containing paracetamol reduce fever and at the same time relieve headaches, body aches and other unpleasant symptoms of a cold. Such drugs are sold in pharmacies in the form of tablets, syrups or powders. These include:

Cold prevention

  1. Specific - you can get a vaccine against pneumococcus (Pneumo 23, etc.), Haemophilus influenzae infection (Act-Fib), some types of influenza (Vaxigrip, Grippol Plus, etc.).
  2. Nonspecific - the use of various means that create a barrier when communicating with the source of the cold pathogen. For example, moisturizing and rinsing the nasopharynx with saline solutions, lubricating the nasal passage with oxolinic ointment.

If a person has contact with a patient with ARVI, he is recommended to immediately start taking one of these drugs: Arbidol, Dibazol, Amiksin, Remantadine.

Nonspecific cold prevention also includes some measures:

  • Taking multivitamins when you feel a lack of them (usually the winter-spring period, unbalanced diet, breastfeeding, pregnancy in women).
  • Hardening (you need to start gradually).
  • Physical education – 2–3 times a week.
  • Walks in the fresh air - every day.
  • Complete nutrition.
  • Quitting smoking and alcohol.
  • You should always dress appropriately for the weather. The body should not freeze, but it should not sweat from the heat either.
  • All chronic respiratory diseases, as well as carious teeth, must be cured.

Folk remedies for colds

How to quickly cure a cold at home? Natural substances are more effective than medications. If the cold is not advanced and there are no complications, you can try traditional methods, and there are quite a few of them.

For a sore throat: folk remedies for colds

Pain and inflammation can be relieved in the following ways:

For a runny nose: folk remedies for treating colds

For coughs: folk remedies for colds

Colds and their prevention - methods of treatment with folk remedies

In the photo: Cold remedies

Secrets of traditional medicine

Collection of folk remedies for treating various diseases and bad habits

Source: http://medic.ymka.ru/prostuda-sredstva-lechenija.php

What cold medicines are used?

Treatment of colds presents certain difficulties due to the fact that in most cases such diseases are not treated at all. The fact is that in 80% of cases, a cold develops due to a viral infection, for which modern medicine has not yet come up with an effective treatment.

But, despite this, there are many medicines that are justified to use for colds. They significantly reduce the severity of the disease and reduce the risk of complications.

How effective is drug treatment for colds?

A cold, if it is caused by a viral infection (ARVI), cannot be treated with medication: a person struggles only with its symptoms (that is, a runny nose, fever, and so on). Experimental drugs exist, but they have little effectiveness and often cause serious side effects.

But bacterial colds are treated quite simply. The only problem is that in the time it takes to determine whether it is a bacterial cold or not, the disease most often goes away on its own. Therefore, for such colds, aggressive treatment will be justified only in cases where there is a threat of serious complications or their presence.

It is necessary to try to reduce the intensity of the disease and prevent the development of complications. For this purpose, a huge number of medicines are used that have quite effective effects.

It is especially important to use them for colds in young children or the elderly. The reason is that it is during these periods of life that the risk of developing serious complications from a cold is extremely high.

Who prescribes treatment, and is it possible to treat yourself?

A general practitioner and an infectious disease specialist, and in some cases an otolaryngologist and a pulmonologist, have the right to prescribe treatment for colds. Pharmacists in pharmacies are often involved in prescribing medications, but their opinion can only be listened to in cases where the disease is sluggish and uncomplicated.

It is also important to understand that you can choose your own treatment for mild and even moderate colds. However, this must be done wisely, based on the information provided below in the article.

Important: you cannot select medications on your own in cases where a child, an elderly patient is sick, or is pregnant. In such cases, specialist advice is required.

Groups of medications used to treat colds

For colds, a huge number of medications of various groups are used. However, the use of all groups at the same time is justified only for severe colds, while in most cases 2-3 groups of drugs are sufficient, with a course of 5-7 days.

Groups of medications that have proven effective against colds are as follows:

  1. Antibiotics. They are used to destroy bacterial flora and are effective only in acute respiratory infections caused by a bacterial infection.
  2. Antipyretic. They are used when body temperature rises, but only caused by pyrogenic microorganisms (when the temperature rises above the physiological temperature of 38 degrees).
  3. Painkillers. Reduce pain in the body and muscles, and are also used to relieve headaches.
  4. Antiviral drugs. Used for severe colds (including those with reduced immunity due to AIDS and cancer) caused by a viral agent.
  5. Vasoconstrictors. Intended for those patients whose runny nose is caused by dilation of the nasal capillaries (vasomotor rhinitis), which often occurs with a cold.
  6. Antihistamines. Often colds cause allergic reactions (the same vasomotor rhinitis described above), for which antihistamines are prescribed.
  7. Mucolytics and secretolytics. Used to relieve cough. They provoke the release of sputum during a wet cough, and provoke the secretion of sputum during a dry cough (which alleviates the patient’s condition).
  8. Anti-inflammatory. Used to reduce local inflammatory processes in the lungs, sinuses and, in case of severe colds, in the joints (autoimmune arthritis).
  9. General strengthening medicines and vitamins. Contrary to misconceptions, they do not strengthen the immune system (it cannot be “strengthened”), but they help the body more easily endure the disease and recover faster. They also reduce general weakness during illness.

Antibiotics

Antimicrobial agents are used exclusively for the bacterial form of colds. In other cases, the advisability of their use is questionable, since antibiotics have absolutely no effect on viruses.

They are used to suppress or destroy pathogenic flora. Most often they are prescribed for the development of complications (bacterial tonsillitis, purulent lesions of the sinuses, inflammation of the kidneys or bladder).

It is also important to take into account that it is best to use them only after consultation with a doctor, who will be able to assess the advisability of their use and will be able to individually select an antimicrobial therapy regimen.

In general, the following antibiotics are used for bacterial colds:

  • penicillin series: Augmentin and Ampicillin;
  • cephalosporin series: Cephalexin and Ceftolozane;
  • macrolide series: “Erythromycin” and “Azithromycin”;
  • fluoroquinol series: “Levofloxacin” and “Ofloxacin”.

If necessary (complications of the disease, its high severity), antibiotics can be used for both children and pregnant women.

Antibiotics for ARVI and influenza (video)

Antipyretics

Antipyretic drugs are used only in cases where there is a violation of the mechanism for maintaining an acceptable body temperature. That is, when, during illness, the temperature rises above 38 degrees Celsius.

The most effective antipyretic drugs include:

It is important to note: analgin and pure paracetamol should not be given to children and pregnant women. Analgin can provoke severe allergies, and paracetamol can cause the development of gastrointestinal ulcers.

Painkillers

Painkillers (or, to be more precise, painkillers) for colds are used to relieve muscle pain and “ache” in the body. They are not justified in all cases and are usually used for severe pain, if the disease is severe.

The most effective painkillers for colds include:

It is important to note: they should be prescribed to pregnant women and children with extreme caution, weighing the potential benefits against the potential harm. Many of the described remedies contain paracetamol, the use of which in children and pregnant women can cause serious complications, which is worth keeping in mind.

Antiviral

Antiviral therapy for common colds is practically meaningless due to the fact that it creates more problems than benefits. It makes sense to use antiviral drugs only for prolonged and serious colds that have a risk of developing meningitis or fulminant arthritis.

The most effective antiviral drugs include:

The use of such a popular drug “Arbidol” is not recommended, since numerous studies have shown that it is practically ineffective. The remaining medications described above can be used to treat children or pregnant women, but only for serious indications (see above).

Vasoconstrictors

Vasoconstrictor drugs are needed only in cases where vasomotor rhinitis develops (dilation of the small capillaries of the nose), which is unpleasant due to a persistent runny nose without the ability to completely clear nasal mucus. And this happens in most cases of colds. It is important to consider that these drugs have both benefits (restore normal breathing) and harm (reduce the body's resistance).

The fact is that the development of vasomotor rhinitis during a cold is rarely associated with allergies. Much more often this is a protective response of the body. Thus, the body blocks the passage into the sinuses for bacteria and viruses. That is why it is recommended to take vasoconstrictor drugs only in case of serious breathing problems and for a short time (no more than three days).

The most effective vasoconstrictor drugs for colds are:

It is important to note: the described medications should not be used by children under 8 years of age. Their use is also not recommended for older children and pregnant women. However, if necessary, they can still be used, but not more than 2-3 days and only in the dosage indicated on the medicine packaging.

Antihistamines

A cold can provoke the development of allergic reactions in the body. They consist of impaired nasal breathing, the development of cough, lacrimation, runny nose and even dizziness. It turns out that treatment with antihistamines is justified only when the allergic nature of the symptoms described above is confirmed.

The most effective antihistamines for colds are:

These drugs are approved for both children and pregnant women. However, only the attending physician can independently assess the appropriateness of their use.

Mucolytics and secretolytics

These drugs are designed to remove excess phlegm or nasal mucus, which helps relieve cough and wheezing. They can also be used to stimulate the production of sputum during a dry cough, which significantly alleviates the patient’s condition and reduces the duration of the disease.

The most effective medications in this group are:

Mucolytics and secretolytics can be prescribed to both children and pregnant women. However, for children and pregnant women, the inhaled form of drugs is more suitable than the tablet form.

Anti-inflammatory

Anti-inflammatory therapy for colds is used to reduce inflammation. After all, this is not the result of infectious activity, but the result of the patient’s immunity, that is, his body’s reaction to the disease.

This is necessary in cases where inflammation spreads to those organs for which a long-term inflammatory process is most harmful and dangerous. Namely: testicles in men and ovaries in women, bladder, kidneys, joints, heart valves. Also, such treatment is sometimes prescribed in the presence of a sore throat, to prevent the development of a retropharyngeal abscess.

The most effective anti-inflammatory drugs for colds are:

It is important to note: such drugs are very dangerous for children and pregnant women. Only a doctor can prescribe them for these categories of patients and only for truly serious indications, when the benefits of anti-inflammatory therapy outweigh its harm. Prescribing them independently is dangerous to health and even threatens death.

General strengthening drugs and vitamins

General strengthening therapy (including vitamin complexes), contrary to popular misconception, in no way strengthens the patient’s immunity. In general, there is little effect on immunity, and its “strengthening” (which, in general, is possible when using powerful means) often leads to negative consequences (autoimmune diseases, allergies).

Such therapy is prescribed for colds only in order to give the body nutrients for tissue regeneration and more effective cleansing of the body from neutralized microbes.

The most effective means of this group:

  • Vitamax;
  • Axofol;
  • Cropanol;
  • Medobiotin;
  • Complivit;
  • Ascorbic acid;
  • any vitamin complexes containing vitamins “A”, “B2”, “B1”, “B6”, “PP”, “A”, “E”.

It is important to note: such medications are approved for both children and pregnant women. However, despite their apparent safety, their use and dosage must be prescribed by a doctor, since self-administration can lead to an overdose, which can lead to hypervitaminosis.

Proven and effective ligaments for treatment

In medicine, there are the most effective and proven combinations for treating colds. Obviously, there are two such connections: for the bacterial cold and for the viral form.

For bacterial colds, a standard of treatment is used, which includes the following groups of drugs:

  1. Antibiotics.
  2. Antipyretics (only at temperatures above 38 degrees).
  3. Antihistamines.
  4. Mucolytics and secretolytics.
  5. General strengthening agents and vitamins.
  6. If necessary, use anti-inflammatory drugs.

For viral colds, a standard of treatment is used, which includes groups of medications such as:

  1. Antiviral (only for severe disease).
  2. Antipyretic.
  3. Mucolytics and secretolytics.
  4. General strengthening agents and vitamins.
  5. If necessary, use anti-inflammatory drugs.
  6. Vasoconstrictors.
  7. Antipyretic.

Proven and effective ligaments for prevention

There are also bundles of medications to prevent colds. Moreover, they are universal and are suitable for both the prevention of bacterial and viral colds.

The list of funds is as follows:

They should be used at the first signs of infection in the body (mild cough, runny nose), or in situations where this is possible (hypothermia, frozen feet, exposure to rain in winter).

Medicines for children

If a child gets a cold, then his treatment is somewhat different from the treatment of adult patients. The most effective and safe medications for acute respiratory infections for children are:

  • Viferon ointment (for the treatment of runny nose and blockage of the nasal passage);
  • Anaferon (to reduce the symptoms of the disease);
  • Tetracycline and Cephalosporin (to treat bacterial infection);
  • Ascorbic acid (general strengthening agent);
  • Ambroxol (cough mucolytic).

Drugs for pregnant women

During pregnancy, many popular medications are prohibited (because of them, not only the mother, weakened by pregnancy, can suffer, but also her child). The following medications are recommended for pregnant women:

  • Lazolvan (for cough);
  • Chlorhexidine (to treat a sore throat);
  • Pinosol (for the treatment of nasal congestion and runny nose);
  • Amoxiclav or Cefixime (to treat a bacterial infection);
  • Gedelix (to treat cough and remove phlegm from the lungs).

Rating of the most popular drugs

There are many medications used for colds, but there are the most effective ones. We present to your attention a list of such medicines:

  1. Theraflu (complex drug).
  2. Coldrex (drug for symptomatic treatment).
  3. Fervex (drug for symptomatic treatment).
  4. Anvimax (drug for symptomatic treatment).
  5. Viferon (a drug that inhibits the reproduction of viruses).

As you can see, these drugs do not treat a cold, but only its symptoms. But, as numerous foreign studies show, reducing the intensity of symptoms of a cold is very important. This has a positive effect on the course of the disease and speeds up the healing process as a whole.

Rating of the cheapest drugs

Most expensive medicines that are used for colds have cheaper analogues. We present to your attention a rating of the cheapest, but at the same time highly effective, medicines for colds:

  • Acetylsalicylic acid (antipyretic);
  • Galazolin (vasoconstrictor);
  • Echinacea tincture (general strengthening agent for the body);
  • Ambroxol (cough medicine);
  • Ibuprofen (anti-inflammatory);
  • Paracetamol (antipyretic and anti-inflammatory drug).

Source: http://fragmed.ru/prostudnye/lekarstva-ot-prostudy-antibiotiki-preparaty.html