Avoid these mistakes with a cold

02/27/2015

Is it the flu or a "simple" cold. Many people in Germany are asking this question right now. Because a veritable flu epidemic sweeps through the lands. In both forms of illness it says: "Off to bed and cure". We show what to do when the cold has hit us and which remedies should be better.

If the throat is scratching and the cough keeps you awake at night, we have the cold under control. But not every remedy is good to adequately address the disease. Some things even worsen the course. Completely wrong, unless a bacterial infection due to the weakened immune system is added, are antibiotics or nasal sprays.

Cold is one of the most common illnesses ever
Cough, runny nose, throat and headache: A flu-like infection is one of the most common diseases, affecting adults on average two to three times a year. This "common cold" is an acute infection of the upper respiratory tract, which is usually caused by pathogens such as rhino, corona- or adenoviruses. In some cases, the weakened body additionally causes a bacterial infection ("secondary infection" or "superinfection"), with streptococci being the "culprits", which can lead to complications such as lung or otitis media.

Symptoms usually resolve themselves within eight to ten days
However, in most cases, a common cold will go on without major problems and usually heal itself within eight to ten days. There is no such thing as a "panacea", since a flu-like infection can be caused by more than 200 different types of virus, so far there is no means by which the cause can be effectively combated. Even antibiotics help in a virus-related cold only if in addition a bacterial infection, such as in the case of tonsillitis is present. In addition, there are numerous other ways to relieve the unpleasant symptoms, which should be looked at twice better: For many over-the-counter medicines are usually rather counterproductive in a cold and should therefore be avoided or used only to a small extent as far as possible.

Better do without nasal spray
This applies, for example, to nasal sprays, which many colds use to catch a stuffy nose in order to breathe better. However, even if the effect seems very pleasant at first, the agent with prolonged use carries the risk that the mucous membranes get used to the regular dose of active ingredient. As a result, the nose becomes "dependent" on the spray, which, however, over time only relieves the symptoms in the short term and can instead lead to chronic cold and damage to the mucous membranes. To avoid this, better home remedies for colds such as inhalations and steam baths should be used for a stuffy nose. A soothing "classic" here is the inhalation of steam by holding the head over a bowl of boiling hot water and covering it with a large towel. The rising vapor should be inhaled for up to ten minutes, an additional expectorant effect can be achieved by the addition of a teaspoon of table salt, dried thyme or sage leaves.

Lower fever only from about 39 degrees Celsius
If it comes to fever in the course of a cold, this should also initially considered as a natural and useful defense reaction of the body and therefore not immediately treated with antipyretic means. However, if the temperature rises above 39 degrees Celsius or severe discomfort occurs, the fever must be lowered. Here are next to drugs containing paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid or ibuprofen, various home remedies for feveravailable, which can bring relief in a gentle and natural way. For example, calf rolls, which are applied close to the body to control the temperature, have a long tradition. In addition, the Naturopathy offers various medicinal plants for fever reduction and treatment, such as linden and elder flowers or the root of the Chinese rabbit ear, which is mainly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Important: Allow the body sufficient rest and relaxation
In principle, care should always be taken with a flu infection to give the body sufficient rest and relaxation. On the other hand, if the symptoms are ignored and the already weakened body is e.g. additionally burdened by exercise, the risk of complications such as a bronchitis or even a heart muscle inflammation. Accordingly, during the day many breaks should be taken and in case of fever, bed rest should always be followed, and it is also important to drink enough and strengthen the immune system with a healthy, balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruits. (No)