What are the causes of the cold? What colds are there. Why does a cold appear

Colds (synonyms: acute respiratory viral infection, ARVI) is a viral infection in which the respiratory tract is mainly affected and which usually occurs after hypothermia. These diseases are similar in their manifestations, but they can be caused by different viruses. The treatment principles are also usually the same.

Infection usually occurs by airborne droplets, through objects and hands, on the surface of which pathogens are located. Outbreaks occur during wet, cold weather, which contributes to the spread of the virus.

The main types of colds

Flu

The virus is the most "famous" causative agent of acute respiratory viral infections. After infection, an incubation period usually takes place, which lasts for 2 days. Then the body temperature rises (up to 39 - 40 ° C), there is general weakness, headache, dizziness, a feeling of weakness, and in the joints. There is a runny nose, sore throat, cough. Then the cough becomes "like a barrel", the pain behind the breastbone worries - signs of damage to the trachea. The disease usually goes away within 5-7 days. Influenza can cause complications in the form of sinusitis, pneumonia.

The flu virus is highly volatile. Sometimes there are strains that cause severe forms of the disease. Epidemics break out, during which people can die. With flu, bed rest, drinking plenty of fluids, antipyretics, expectorants are prescribed. There is a vaccine to prevent the disease today.

Parainfluenza

This type of infection is mostly common in young children. The disease is transmitted from person to person by airborne droplets. The incubation period is from 2 to 7 days. Then the temperature rises, weakness, weakness, and decreased appetite appear. These symptoms are not as severe as with the flu.

From the first day, mucous discharge from the nose appears. On the 2-3rd day, they become thicker, acquire a yellow or green color. Then a loud barking sign of a lesion of the larynx begins to disturb. Laryngeal edema and choking may occur in young children. If bacteria join the viruses, then parainfluenza turns into pneumonia.

Treatment for parainfluenza is similar to that for influenza. The prognosis is always favorable. There is no specific anti-virus.

Adenovirus infection

This type of cold affects the nose, conjunctiva, and lymph nodes. Transmission occurs by airborne droplets or through unwashed food. Outbreaks most often occur during the cold season. After infection, an incubation period takes place, the duration of which can range from 2 to 12 days. Then the body temperature gradually rises (it can rise to values of 39 - 40 ° C), weakness, a feeling of fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea and vomiting, headache appear. The nose is stuffy, thin mucus is secreted from it, which then becomes more viscous, acquires a yellow or green color. Wet cough worries. There is itching and pain in the eyes, they turn red. The lymph nodes located under the skin are enlarged.

Treatment for adenovirus infection is the same as for the flu. Vasoconstrictor drops and seawater are instilled into the nose. Apply antiviral eye drops.

Rhinovirus infection

Rhinovirus infection is a type of acute respiratory viral infection in which the nose is mainly affected. The virus does not survive well in the external environment, therefore, outbreaks of the disease occur only in the cold season in large cities, where there is a crowding of people.

After infection, an incubation period of 1 to 5 days passes. Then there is malaise, weakness, chills, an increase in body temperature (usually up to 37 ° C). The nose becomes stuffy, there is an itch inside, a tickling feeling. It seems to the patient that there is something in his throat. In the first days, a clear liquid is secreted from the nose, by the end of the disease it thickens, becomes yellow, green. The infection can "descend" on the pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi. Among the most common complications of rhinovirus infection are otitis media (ear inflammation).

Treatment for rhinovirus infection:

The prognosis for rhinovirus infection is always favorable. There is no vaccine against this virus. Prevention consists in hardening and strengthening the immune system, timely isolation of patients, frequent ventilation and wet cleaning. If there is a patient in the room, then it is useful to irradiate him with an ultraviolet lamp.

When a patient goes to a doctor with a cold, it is far from always possible to identify a specific pathogen. And it is not always advisable. The diagnosis sounds just like ARVI, and the treatment is carried out according to general principles.

Diseases caused by hypothermia are popularly called "colds". Their course is very similar to a viral infection.

However, there is a difference between these pathologies. And since the treatment for these diseases is different, the doctor must be able to distinguish one from the other.

Adequate diagnosis is also needed because a dangerous influenza virus can lurk under the guise of an ordinary disease, the treatment of which requires the obligatory intervention of doctors.

Otherwise, the disease can become more complicated and lead to more serious pathologies.

How to tell the difference between a cold and a viral infection

To learn how to distinguish a cold from ARVI (acute respiratory viral infection), you need to have a complete understanding of these diseases. Doctors with many years of experience are accustomed to referring to any respiratory tract infection by the general term "ARI".

Of course, this is not wrong, but this concept does not at all indicate the type of pathogen that provoked the symptoms of the disease. The causative agents of seasonal infections are divided into two groups: bacteria and viruses. This is the fundamental difference between these two diseases.

All viral infections are included in the ARVI group. These include:

Flu.
Parainfluenza.
RSV and their subtypes.
Rhinoviruses.
Adenoviruses.

Flu virus symptoms

Influenza, which certainly flares up every year with the onset of cold weather, also belongs to the viruses that infect the respiratory (respiratory) tract. But the flu can provoke serious complications and is always very difficult.

All acute respiratory viral diseases have common characteristics. For the occurrence of pathology, banal hypothermia or overeating ice cream is not enough. Infection usually occurs by airborne droplets from a sick person to a healthy one.

It is also possible for the household route of infection to enter the body, that is, through:

pieces of furniture;
toys;
dishes;
banknotes;
food.

But this kind of flu infection occurs much less frequently. But direct communication with a sick person, which can occur at work, in public transport, in a store, is most often the cause of influenza infection.

And the respiratory tract viruses are very short. A person begins to feel unwell about 2-3 days after infection. Moreover, the flu symptoms are growing rapidly.

From the first signs to a sharp deterioration in the condition, it usually takes about two hours. This is due to the fact that once in a favorable environment, pathogenic microorganisms begin to multiply actively. At the same time, they affect the mucous epithelium of the upper respiratory tract, which provokes the corresponding symptoms:

watery discharge from the nasal passages;
sore throat;
dry cough;
increased body temperature.

The severity of symptoms is directly proportional to the virulence of the infection. With flu, the temperature may jump to 39-40 on the first day, however, with a weak infection, the temperature may not rise. Most often, subfebrile condition is observed.

The prodromal period of the disease, when the body has not yet responded to the virus, but the concentration of infection is already high, also causes a deterioration in well-being. An infected person has the following symptoms:

general malaise;
lethargy;
pain in the eyes and tearing;
nasal congestion in the absence of discharge from it;
loss of appetite.

The danger of a viral infection is that a second wave of bacteria may come on the heels of it. This is due to the fact that local immunity is weakened by the primary virus, that is, the path for pathogenic bacteria is open. They begin to become active on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.

That is why situations arise in which a person seems to begin to recover, but after a while he again feels a deterioration in well-being. However, if the treatment is formulated adequately, this does not happen.

In allergic patients, a viral infection often provokes a hypersensitivity reaction in which even ordinary food can cause an allergy.

ARVI, depending on the pathogen, lead to various diseases of the respiratory tract. The doctor can diagnose the following pathologies in a patient:

Pharyngitis.
Rhinitis.
Otitis.
Sinusitis.
Bronchitis.
Tracheitis.
Tonsillitis.
Laryngitis.

What is a cold and what are its symptoms?

To be able to distinguish a cold (ARI) from a viral infection (ARVI), you need to know the main symptoms of the first and the reasons for its occurrence.

A cold is a consequence of hypothermia of the body, which can be obtained:

with freezing hands and feet;
when ignoring a headdress in a cold season;
in wet weather;
in a draft;
when swimming in open water.

Under the influence of cold, a microbial inflammatory process begins to occur in the respiratory tract of a person. What are the main characteristics of diseases caused by hypothermia?

The causative agents of the common cold are:

streptococci;
haemophilus influenzae.

These microorganisms are present on the mucous membranes of every person, but under appropriate conditions they are activated.

It is impossible to catch a cold, and only very weak people and small children can "pick up" a respiratory bacterial infection.

Under the influence of cold, the human immune system experiences stress and refuses to protect the body from the activation of opportunistic bacteria. Their reproduction leads to an infectious disease, which is accompanied by an inflammatory process.

Colds include the following diseases:

rhinitis;
pharyngitis;
sinusitis;
any sore throats.

Moreover, most often they occur in those patients who already have a chronic form of these pathologies.

Meanwhile, with strong immunity and in the absence of provoking factors, minor hypothermia is unlikely to provoke the disease.

The incubation period of a bacterial infection is quite long (3-14 days). However, if acute respiratory infections are provoked by hypothermia, the incubation period can be reduced to 2-3 days. With a cold, the prodromal period is usually absent.

The disease after hypothermia or ARVI can immediately begin with clinical manifestations.

Usually the symptoms of acute respiratory infections are pronounced:

sore throat;
severe perspiration;
nasal congestion;
not abundant but thick nasal discharge;
subfebrile temperature (most often) or normal values.

But sometimes (very rarely) the disease is not accompanied by local manifestations, but only a slight deterioration in the general condition is observed, which the patient can attribute to severe fatigue.

Cold treatment should come immediately. Otherwise, a mild disease can develop into a real bacterial infection, which will require antibacterial treatment to eliminate.

Moreover, hemolytic streptococcus, which causes most colds, can cause serious complications in the heart, kidneys, or joints.

Now it became clear how a cold differs from a viral infection:

when infection occurs from contact with a patient, ARI is an autoinfection;
the prodromal period with ARVI is one day, with ARI it is absent;
ARVI is characterized by a bright onset, the symptoms of a cold are usually blurred (with the exception of any one symptom);
nasal discharge with ARVI is abundant and liquid, with a cold, they are either absent altogether, or have a thick consistency.

ARVI treatment methods

In order to prescribe adequate treatment for a cold, it is important for the doctor to know how it is provoked. Why? The answer is very simple: if you prescribe antibiotics to a patient with a viral infection, the drugs will only weaken the body's immune system, but they will not affect the cause of the disease.

This will lead to the fact that the patient will develop dysbiosis and resistance of pathogenic bacteria present on the mucous membrane of the throat and nose. The body will lose the ability to resist a viral infection, the disease will drag on and may end in serious complications.

Treatment of viral infections should take place according to the following scheme: First of all, the doctor prescribes antiviral drugs:

Citovir 3.
Isoprinosine.
Kagocel.
Remantadine.
Interferon.
Viferon.

If the body temperature rises to 38.5 and above, antipyretic drugs are indicated:

Cefekon.
Paracetamol.
Nise.
Ibuprofen.
Nurofen.

In the early stages of influenza, with a dry cough, the appointment of antitussives and mucolytics that thin sputum is required:

Libeksin.
Sinecode.
Ambrobene.
Bromhexine.
Mukaltin.

Treatment requires taking vitamin complexes and fortifying drugs that stimulate the body's resistance.

Drugs that will relieve pain and sore throat:

Septolet.
Ajisept.
Lizobact.
Tantum Verde.
Hexoral.
Furacilin solution for rinsing.

To wash off the infection, you need to rinse your nose with salt water several times a day. With this procedure, mucus is better removed from the sinuses, which prevents the development of sinusitis.

The patient needs to be provided with bed rest, as a last resort, children should be prohibited from outdoor games.

The patient's room needs to be ventilated several times a day and wet cleaned in it. The patient needs to drink as much as possible, for this are good:

herbal infusions and decoctions;
raspberry tea;
tea with honey and lemon;
linden infusion;
fruit drinks, compotes and jelly.

The patient's food should be rich in vitamins and minerals. Eating more garlic and onions is recommended.

These products contain phytoncide, a natural antiviral component.

Cold treatment

The treatment of acute respiratory infections differs from the methods used for acute respiratory viral infections. If a week after the start of therapy, the patient does not feel relief, then a bacterial infection has joined the viral infection. In this case, the patient is prescribed antibacterial drugs.

With a mild cold, sometimes it is enough to rinse the nose and irrigate it with drops containing antibiotics. With severe rhinitis and swelling of the nasal mucosa, breathing can be improved with the help of vasoconstrictor drops.

You can get rid of sore throat and sore throat by resorption of Grammidin tablets or by irrigation with Bioparox aerosol. The only condition is that all these drugs must be prescribed by a doctor.

Sprays TeraFlu Lar, Stopangin, Hexoral will help to cope with colds. The patient is shown to drink plenty of fluids, heat compresses on the throat.

In the absence of the effect of local therapy, systemic antibiotics are usually prescribed:

Erythromycin.
Azithromycin.
Amoxiclav.
Flemoxin.

This is especially necessary if the disease progresses to the stage of bronchitis or tracheitis.

Prevention of ARVI and ARI

Since the reasons for the development of these diseases are different, preventive measures should also be different. However, there are also common points.

To prevent the off-season virus, you must:

avoid crowded places;
wear a protective mask;
use funds that form a protective film in the nose (Nazoval);
exclude contact with sick people;
get preventive vaccinations.

In order not to get a cold, a person must strengthen their immunity. For this you need:

to eat well;
harden;
expose the body to sports stress;
visit salt caves;
often walk in the fresh air;
eradicate bad habits;
sleep well.

All these measures are also good for the prevention of ARVI, since strong immunity is a guarantee that a small amount of the virus that has entered the body will simply die there and will not be able to provoke an illness.

In conclusion, the specialist will tell you how to correctly distinguish the flu and the common cold.

Colds are the most common ailment. They are often found in autumn and spring, when a sharp drop in temperature is most often observed. How to recognize the first signs of a cold and what measures to take?

As soon as the patient shows the first unpleasant symptoms, he thinks that hypothermia has occurred. But actually it is not. Doctors say that in ninety percent of cases, colds occur against the background of a viral infection entering the body.

Infection with microbes occurs during contact with a sick person. But not everyone can get sick. Immune function plays a major role. If it is severely weakened, then a cold will manifest itself already on the first or third day.

The first symptoms of a cold are:

itching and burning in the nasal passages;
in paroxysmal sneezing;
in lacrimation;
nasal congestion;
in the appearance of mucus in the nose;
sore throat and pain;
in a light cough;
in raising temperature indicators;
congestion in the ears, ringing, or noise;
in itching in the area of the temples and palate;
in weakness, fatigue and general malaise;
in a painful feeling in the head, muscle and articular structures;
in a chill.

Often, the first symptoms are sneezing and feeling uncomfortable. They appear within a couple of hours after infection. A day later, other signs join in the form of nasal congestion, perspiration and weakness.

If the patient does not start the treatment process, then the catarrhal disease is gaining momentum. Temperature indicators rise: in an adult, they can reach 38 degrees, in childhood up to 39 degrees. In this case, the disease is characterized by chills, runny nose, drowsiness. This suggests that there has been a strong intoxication of the body.
In childhood, abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea may occur. Babies under two years old often refuse not only food, but also drink.

Steps to take at the first symptoms of a cold

Many patients wonder what to do at the first sign of a cold? Is it possible to stop the development of the disease and what to take in such cases?
Doctors believe that adult patients can quickly and independently cope with colds without the use of any medication. It is enough to adhere to folk methods.

If you have the first signs of a cold, what should you do? Here are some guidelines.

First of all, you need to change the normal mode to a gentle one.
Observe bed rest. It is worth giving up all walks, shopping and work. It is worth sticking to it for two to three days.
Drink plenty of fluids. The volume of liquid for adults should be at least two liters, for babies - at least one liter. In this case, you should not be limited only to water. It can be fruit drinks from berries, compotes from dried fruits, teas with lemon, honey and raspberries, mineral water, soups with chicken broth.
Don't forget about proper nutrition. No fast foods, convenience foods, or carbonated drinks. The diet should include foods rich in vitamins and minerals. These include vegetables, fruits, light cereals and soups.
Humidify the air by any means. For such purposes, you can use a special apparatus, or hang wet towels throughout the apartment. In this case, it is important to observe not only humidity, but also ventilation of the room. It is worth remembering that viruses are afraid of cold and humid air.

These activities will help the body recover in a shorter period of time.

Treating the first signs of a cold

How to treat the first signs of a cold? If the disease is just starting to develop, but there are already several symptoms, then it is worth resorting to such a treatment regimen.

With an increase in temperature indicators to 38.5 degrees, wiping with warm water can be carried out. Adults can add a little vinegar to the liquid, and in childhood, herbal extracts of calendula, chamomile or sage perfectly relieve fever.
If the temperature rises above 38.5 degrees, then you should resort to antipyretic drugs. In case of a cold in an adult, Aspirin, Analgin, Coldrex or Fervex will come to the rescue. It is better for children to give safer remedies in the form of Paracetamol or Ibuprofen in syrup or Cefekon and Nuroden in candles.
If the patient has nasal congestion and a runny nose, then rinsing the nose with a saline solution can be performed. For such purposes, you can purchase drugs at pharmacy kiosks or prepare a solution yourself.
You need to carry out the procedure every two hours. Before performing manipulations, vasoconstrictor drops should be dripped. But the duration of their use should not exceed three days.
With a sore throat, it is worth rinsing with different solutions. For such purposes, herbal infusions, furacilin, soda and salt are suitable. You need to perform these manipulations every two hours.
After the procedure, medications should be used to water the throat. These include Miramistin, Hexoral, Lugol, Tantum Verde.
For sore throat, you can dissolve tablets and lozenges in the form of Lizobact, Faringosept, Strepsisla, Grammidin.
To remove puffiness from tissues, you need to drink antihistamines. Children are assigned drops in the form of Fenistil, Zodak, Zirtek. Erius, Suprastin, Claritin are recommended for adults.

It is strictly forbidden to take antibacterial agents at the first symptoms of a cold. They are ineffective against viruses and further weaken immune function.

Antiviral drugs at the first sign of a cold

What to take at the first sign of a cold? Antiviral agents have shown good effectiveness. They can be drunk as a treatment and preventive measure. But if the cold has been going on for several days and is in full swing, then they will be ineffective.

What to drink after the first symptoms appear? Adults are advised to take:

Ergoferon. A new generation drug that contains synthetic interferon. It is produced in the form of tablets. In the first dose, you must take five tablets with an interval of thirty minutes.
Kagocel. An excellent remedy that allows you to cope with a cold, even with delayed treatment. It is produced in the form of tablets and is prescribed for children from the age of four.
Ingavirin. Available in capsule form.

In childhood, they are often prescribed:

Anaferon. Approved for use in babies from the first month of life. It is produced in the form of tablets that dissolve well in water.
Viferon. The drug is available in the form of suppositories.
Tsitovir-3. Available as a syrup. Approved for use in children from one year old.

Traditional methods of treating the first signs of a cold

How to treat at the first sign of a cold without resorting to drug therapy? You can use traditional methods of treatment.
If the symptoms are not very pronounced, then inhalations, compress, warming up and taking infusions will help.

In order not to get sick, it is enough to drink a decoction of chamomile, linden and raspberries. You need to use it every two to three hours. It can also be replaced with lingonberry or cranberry juice with the addition of honey.

If the patient does not have a high fever, then at the first signs of illness, a warm bath with the addition of herbal infusions, salt or essential oils can be taken. This procedure allows you to instantly relieve nasal congestion, fatigue and general malaise. After the bath, you need to put on warm socks and go to bed.

An excellent remedy for cold symptoms is inhalation. The vapors penetrate deeply into the mucous membranes and tissues, thereby relieving nasal congestion and stopping the inflammatory process. You can resort to steam inhalation or the use of a nebulizer. Steam inhalation can be carried out for adults and children over five years old without the absence of high fever. Essential oils, herbs, or baking soda and iodine can be added to the water.

If the patient has a temperature above 37.3 degrees or his age is less than five years old, then it is better to use a nebulizer. As a solution, you can use saline, saline, herbal infusions, mineral water.

With a sore throat, compresses are made on the neck. They are of two types: dry and wet. The first involves warming the affected area with a warm scarf. Wet compresses are made with the addition of medicines or infusions. It is better to do them for a night's sleep.

Effective compresses include oil, cottage cheese and honey. A bandage is applied to the affected area, and a bag and a warm scarf must be put on top. You need to walk with such bandages for at least two hours.

Preventing colds

How not to get sick during the cold season? To do this, you should adhere to some preventive rules.

Coming from the street, wash your hands and face thoroughly with soap. For such purposes, antibacterial or laundry soap is perfect.
During colds, take a loading dose of vitamin C. Ascorbic acid can be purchased. The dosage per day should not exceed a spot of milligrams.
Strengthen the immune system with hardening treatments, vitamins and exercise.
Take walks in the fresh air. It is forbidden to visit crowded places, but you can walk in the courtyard, just dress for the weather.

If there is a cold, the doctor knows how to quickly deal with it. But it is best to follow basic preventive measures.

Content

It is difficult to find a person who, after hypothermia of the body, would not sneeze, would not complain of chills or headache. These symptoms - the first signs of a cold - require a visit to a doctor in order to diagnose and begin treatment, to take prescribed medications and procedures. How to provide first aid in case of a disease, what methods to use for recovery - everyone should know about this in order to help themselves and those close to them.

What is a cold

All ailments that cover the respiratory system are referred to as colds in everyday life. This is due to the similarity of the first signs in many diseases. In this case, it is dangerous to self-medicate - the ailment can be caused by viruses, bacteria and simply hypothermia. Each case requires a different approach to treatment. If you get flu or SARS on your feet, you can get serious complications.

In addition to the first signs, with diseases, specific symptoms appear that are inherent in certain ailments. It can be observed when the diagnosis is made:

laryngitis- the vocal cords are affected, the voice becomes hoarse;
pharyngitis- the nasopharynx suffers, there is a sore throat, perspiration, difficulty swallowing;
rhinitis- strong secretion, nasal congestion.

The reasons for the development of colds is a decrease in immunity, which is often observed in the period from autumn to spring. During this time, infections often spread. A healthy body resists disease when viruses enter the mucous membranes. The appearance of cold symptoms is facilitated by:

hypothermia due to dampness, cold;
deficiency of vitamins in winter;
stressful situations as a result of the transition from summer vacation to work, study;
contacts with sick people.

Cold symptoms

When a person just starts to get sick, he feels a general malaise. Weakness, increased sweating appears. From the first days, symptoms such as:

aching joints, muscles;
nausea;
sore throat;
redness of the eyes;
increased tearing;
enlarged lymph nodes;
chills;
a gradual rise in temperature;
sneezing;
dizziness;
lethargy;
redness of the skin on the face, neck;
chest pain;
insomnia;
the appearance of a rash.

Signs of a cold

When an infection gets in - in the case of weakened immunity - inflammation of the mucous membranes occurs. Colds often begin with rhinorrhea, a profuse clear discharge from the nose. The following signs are gradually added:

redness of the throat;
hoarseness of voice;
pain when swallowing;
nasal congestion;
labored breathing;
cough - dry or with phlegm - depending on the pathogen;
the body's reaction to intoxication - headache, weakness, apathy, fatigue, loss of appetite.

First signs

When a person catches a cold, in the first moments it is not yet clear in which organs the inflammatory processes begin. Signs of a certain disease appear later. The first symptoms of a cold are characterized by:

general malaise;
weakness;
an increase in temperature to 37.5 degrees;
redness of the eyes;
runny nose with transparent secretion;
nasal congestion;
sneezing.

What to do at the first sign of a cold

If a person begins to get sick, feel unwell, bed rest is necessary - this will help to avoid complications in the development of a serious illness. It is important not to self-medicate or use medications until a diagnosis has been made. To help a sick person at the first sign of a cold, you must:

regularly measure the temperature - its rise is a sure sign of good immunity, the body's fight against infection;
provide a state of rest.

In the room where the patient is, it is necessary to carry out regular ventilation. At the first symptoms of a cold, you should:

give more warm liquid to maintain water balance, remove toxins - tea with lemon, black currant, raspberry, mineral water, herbal decoctions;
exclude hypothermia - in the absence of high temperature, make a hot foot bath;
remove fatty, carbohydrate-rich foods from the diet.

Inhalation and compresses

You can speed up the healing process by using inhalation with a nebulizer. Your doctor may recommend a formulation for treating symptoms of a cold after a certain medical condition has been diagnosed. Inhalation helps to cure nasal congestion, ease breathing, and soften coughs. Solutions will help stop a cold:

alkaline mineral water - moisturizes mucous membranes, eliminates sore throat;
furacilin - counteracts bacteria in the nasopharynx;
saline - helps to remove phlegm from the lungs, relieves coughing.

Compresses help to treat the onset of a cold. It should be noted that such a procedure is unacceptable in the presence of temperature. Compresses are made for adults and children:

with dry cough- on the back or chest, a composition of chopped garlic with a beaten egg;
with a sore throat- for the night, a cloth moistened with vodka is applied, into which you can add a few drops of lavender oil, camphor;
in case of a severe cough in a child- compress in the form of flat cakes from boiled hot potatoes (4 tubers) with the addition of a spoonful of honey and soda.

What to take

When you start to get sick, it is better to cope with the onset of a cold under the supervision of a doctor. Only a correctly diagnosed diagnosis will help to avoid complications and quickly cope with the disease. At the first signs of the disease, it is prescribed to take in the form of tablets:

Paracetamol- reduces high temperature;
Amoxicillin- counteracts bacterial infection;
Aflubin- helps to increase immunity in drops for children, for adults - tablets;
Cycloferon- copes with viral infections.

For the local treatment of signs of a cold, it is prescribed:

Furacilin- a solution for rinsing the throat;
Marimer- spray with which the nose is washed;
Lizobakt- plates for resorption for sore throat;
Nazivin- vasoconstrictor drops to relieve congestion;
Aqualor- sea water, helps to eliminate swelling in the nose;
Aspirin- tablets, eliminate headaches;
Bronchicum- cough syrup;
Astemizole- tablets, relieve inflammation of the mucous membranes;
Dr. Mom- ointment for warming up the bridge of the nose.

Pills

The most convenient way to treat an illness is to take a pill. Medicines at the first sign of a cold differ in their action aimed at eliminating certain symptoms. Doctors prescribe in case of:

temperature - Aspirin-Oopsa;
inflammation - Panadol;
decreased immunity - Immunal;
viral infection - Tamiflu;
severe cough - Fluimucil;
bacterial infection - Amoxiclav;
headache - Panadein;
colds on the lips - Acyclovir;
runny nose, swelling - Promethazine;
dry cough - Codelac;
several symptoms - Fervex.

Antiviral drugs

The doctor, observing the first signs of an illness, can diagnose a viral infection. In this case, drugs for treatment are selected depending on the type of pathogen. Most Prescribed Antivirals:

Remantadine- acts against influenza, it is allowed for children from one year old, it is contraindicated in kidney disease, epilepsy;
Arbidol- effective for ARVI, influenza, herpes, rotavirus infection, used from three years.

Antibiotics

Only a doctor can notice signs of a cold, indicating a bacterial cause of the disease, and prescribe antibiotics. It is important to follow the treatment regimen and dosage. To fight the infection, they are prescribed:

Amoxicillin- a broad-spectrum drug, prescribed on a tablet three times a day, the dose for children is selected individually;
Azithromycin- increases the concentration of the active substance in the focus of infection, shortens the treatment time, has contraindications;
Sumamed- it has a strong and fast action, you need to drink 1 tablet per day, the course is 3 days.

What to take for a child

The first signs of a cold in children require a mandatory visit to a doctor. To eliminate them, give tea with lime blossom, raspberries, milk with honey. Prescribed medications in the form of syrups, lozenges for chewing, rectal suppositories. Pediatricians prescribe to a child:

Ibuprofen- suspension - relieves temperature, inflammation, pain, allowed from 6 months;
drops Nazol baby - facilitate breathing with nasal congestion, appoint a short course;
Paracetamol- candles - recommended from three months, reduce the temperature in 15 minutes;
Lazolvan- solution for inhalation with a wet cough.

What to do at the first sign of a cold in pregnant women

The appearance of cold symptoms while waiting for the baby is dangerous for the mother and fetus. All treatment should be supervised by a physician. Pregnant women are prescribed:

drinking plenty of fluids;
bed rest;
rubbing with vinegar;
gargling with salt, soda, herbal decoction - relieves inflammation;
Miramistin - a solution for irrigation, inhalation - counteracts viruses, bacteria;
Tizine for children - for a cold, use no more than three days;
Dolphina - a means for rinsing the nose when laying with sea salt, relieves swelling;
Ingalipt is a spray with natural ingredients that can cause allergies.

Folk remedies

A familiar procedure for colds ailments - baths with the addition of mustard to steam your feet. It is useful to drink a mixture of equal parts of lemon and onion juice three times a day - half a teaspoon diluted in 50 ml of water. Drinking a hot drink is recommended.

Within a year, a person can get sick with colds - an acute respiratory infection, expressed in the occurrence of inflammatory processes, cough, runny nose. In 90% of cases, the risk of illness is associated with a weakened immune system. In order to minimize the severity of symptoms and speed up the recovery time, you need to know how the cold manifests itself, what leads to its appearance, and what can be effectively treated at home.

In order not to get sick and quickly restore the body's natural defenses, you should know how a cold manifests itself, what is its beginning. Special precautions must be taken during the cold season (winter) and the off-season, when the body is weakened or lacks vitamins.

In 80% of cases, the infection is transmitted from person to person by airborne droplets, but sometimes the disease develops as a result of hypothermia. The initial stages of a cold are manifested by inflammation of the mucous membranes.

The main symptom that indicates negative processes in the body is rhinorrhea (abundant discharge from the nose, transparent, uncolored). In the first few hours, a person feels normal, if his immunity is not weakened, he continues to work as usual until a day from the moment of illness.

Gradually, other primary manifestations of colds are added to rhinorrhea:

Sore throat.
Redness of the mucous membranes in the throat.
Increase in temperature indicators to 37.1-37.5 degrees.
Painful sensations during swallowing.
Decreased appetite.
Apathy.
Increased fatigue.
A cough occurs (it can be dry or wet).
Difficulty breathing appears.
A headache occurs (the intensity of the symptom is individual).

There is also general weakness, malaise, loss of strength and endurance. There is nasal congestion, sneezing. Some people have watery eyes, red eyes and a little swelling, so symptoms are mistaken for allergies during the warmer months.

The main symptoms appear later, which allows the doctor to prescribe effective therapy and accelerate the recovery process of the body. If no attempts are made on the first day of treatment, then the symptoms will intensify, the inflammatory processes will increase.

At the initial stage of the disease, it is difficult to recognize the degree of development of inflammation, therefore, consultation with a doctor is necessary, it will help to choose the correct treatment tactics and prevent complications.

Cold symptoms in adults

It is important to know how a cold proceeds and how it differs from ARVI or influenza, since the consequences and load on the body in these cases are different. Self-symptomatic treatment is allowed only if all diseases are completely excluded, except for colds (ARI). In the event that the disease begins abruptly and unexpectedly, it is required to seek medical help, since this symptom indicates a strong inflammatory process and the presence of infection.

Distinctive features of influenza and ARVI

Influenza has a peculiarity - excessive weakness and high temperature (up to 39-40 degrees), but without examination it cannot be ruled out if the malaise appears suddenly. Symptoms such as lethargy or body aches are mild during a cold, but are the main ones with the flu. In some cases, the condition is accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Unlike SARS or colds, with the flu, symptoms such as:

Runny nose.
Cough.
Sore throat.

With the flu, there is also a strong redness of the eyes (small vessels can be distinguished). Self-medication in this case is prohibited.

You should also see a doctor when the following are added to the usual symptoms of a cold:

Sinus pain.
Prolonged high fever (not decreasing with medication).
Pallor of the skin (pronounced).
Pain and / or wheezing in the chest.
Discharge of mucus (colored) from the nose or throat.
Incessant or severe headaches.
Sensation of pain in the eyes.
Abdominal discomfort.

These manifestations indicate other diseases that require medical supervision.

The main symptoms of a cold

If there are no dangerous symptoms, it is necessary to take measures to quickly relieve the manifestations of the initial stage of the common cold. General manifestations of the disease in adults:

Great weakness.
Malaise.
Muscle and joint pain (not severe).
Redness and sore throat.
Cough (varying intensity).
Temperature (37-38.5 degrees).
Chills.
Sweating.
Pain in the eyes and a feeling of heaviness.
Lachrymation.
Headache.
Decreased or complete lack of appetite.

Additionally, adults may experience insomnia and enlargement of the lymph nodes.

During the development and course of a cold, the work of the glands responsible for the separation of protective mucus is disrupted. When the immune system begins to fight off viruses, toxins are formed that must be flushed out of the body immediately. That is why the amount of mucous secretions increases. If the glands cannot normally regulate this process, the fluid stagnates in the sinuses, which leads to the appearance of a severe runny nose, congestion. It is important during this period to prevent the inflammatory process, since sinusitis can begin.

Cold from hypothermia

In the spring and summer, you can get sick not only by contracting an infection, but also from hypothermia. The problem arises due to the fact that a person was hot for a long time, as a result of which the body warmed up well. After a sharp chilling (taking a shower, swimming in the river, an excessive amount of ice cream, a draft), he experiences stress from a change in temperature. Against this background, inflammatory processes occur.

In order to avoid colds associated with hypothermia, it is recommended to dress in accordance with the weather, especially in winter, when excessive insulation can cause sudden temperature changes, and a lack of heat (light outerwear, lack of a scarf and hat) will lead to rapid hypothermia under the influence of natural low temperatures for the season.

It is important to know arising from hypothermia. In the summer, the inflammatory reaction passes with peculiarities - it develops for 18-24 hours without symptoms and manifestations, and only then does the person feel the manifestations of the disease, such as chills, sneezing and sore throat. In winter, if a person is very cold, the disease will manifest itself in 10-12 hours.

At the first symptoms, when there is no increase in temperature, it is required to provide a sufficient amount of heat for the body - to make hot tea with lemon, warm up the legs, rub the body with a warming ointment. In summer, vitamins and warm tea are used. It is important to remember that another person can become infected, since an infection develops in the patient's body, which is actively transmitted by airborne droplets.

It must be remembered that in cold weather, mucous discharge from the nose will be more abundant. The average time of illness is 4-7 days, if no complications arise or a secondary infection does not join. It is difficult to cure a cold on your own; at home, you can alleviate the manifestations of existing symptoms. It must be remembered that you cannot use antibiotics without a doctor's recommendation.

Complex therapy will allow you to effectively cure a viral infection. Self-medication antibiotics can be very harmful as they affect different systems in the body.

How to quickly relieve cold symptoms

You need to know before the onset of the season of illnesses how to treat a cold in adults in order to eliminate negative manifestations at an early stage. It is recommended to be treated in a comprehensive manner, using medicines and folk remedies prescribed by a doctor.

It is impossible to completely cure a cold in 1-2 days, even if you start therapy at an early stage of development. Medicines help, but relieving symptoms only relieves the severity of manifestations without eliminating the cause of the disease.

To strengthen the body and ease the manifestation of colds help:

Balanced diet.
Rejection of bad habits.
Compliance with all doctor's recommendations.
Refusal of self-medication.

In order to confront the problem and not get infected, it is better to take a complex of vitamins in advance, go in for sports, perform physical activities that are appropriate for the age and characteristics of the body.

Drink the medication prescribed by your doctor.
Use a medical mask (so that the infection from the patient does not spread further).
Eat correctly and fully, include in the diet an increased amount of fruits, since they are a natural source of vitamins.
Drink sufficient liquid (necessary to remove toxins from the body).

If a person smokes, then during the period of illness it is necessary to give up this habit in order to reduce the cough. At home, it is required to ventilate the room so that the infection does not accumulate, use a humidifier to reduce irritation on the mucous membrane of the throat or nose. It is better to drink warm liquid in a volume of 1.5-2 liters per day.

You cannot listen to the advice of friends on how to get rid of the symptoms of a cold. It has been proven that the same causative agent of the disease affects people with different intensities. In one person, the disease is expressed by a mild runny nose and sore throat, while in another - by high fever, weakness and pain in the body.

It is not recommended to specifically knock down the temperature if its indicators have not reached 38 degrees. This is due to the fact that it is during this period that the body naturally fights against viruses and infections that have caused colds.

If the treatment is carried out incorrectly, if you do not complete the course completely, then complications may appear:

Development of otitis media (ear pain, hearing impairment, high temperature).
Inflammatory processes in the sinuses, accompanied by nasal congestion and pain in the bridge of the nose (sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, sinusitis).

Often there is a strong cough - bronchitis. It manifests itself in the evening or at night, it is dry and deep. Gradually, phlegm is formed and the cough is moistened.

If bronchitis appears, then it can be determined by the characteristic wheezing - rough, wheezing, breathing becomes difficult. In some cases, inflammation of the lymph nodes is observed - lymphadenitis in the neck. Complications require separate medical supervision and special treatment.

Thus, the common cold, its symptoms and treatment in adults require special attention. It is not enough just to take a medication in order to recover - a comprehensive treatment is required. It should be selected taking into account the existing symptoms.

An incipient cold is preceded by contact with an infection or hypothermia, the first manifestations are a runny nose, sore throat and weakness. At this stage, you need to do body-strengthening procedures - rest more, eat right, use herbs and plants to prepare warm drinks. If a cold manifests itself, consult a doctor and follow his recommendations, do not self-medicate.