I get sick with colds all the time, what should I do? I constantly get sick with colds: how to boost my immunity? Hypothyroidism and persistent colds

And many others. But the question of increasing immunity still haunts many readers, and new questions arise. Today we will answer one reader, but many have this problem. “I’m constantly sick colds: how to increase immunity? — a reader of my blog asked me this question. We'll figure out!

We often ask the question: how to increase immunity, since many people have doubts whether they have good immunity?

Doctors describe him as protective forces organism. And today there is something to protect from! A good immune system should be an insurmountable barrier to a variety of infections - viral, fungal, bacterial. What if this doesn't happen?

1. Signs of a weakened immune system

If viral diseases, such as influenza, acute respiratory viral infections recur more than 6 times a year, then your immune system is not just weakened, it is in the most terrible state.

Also, if it is difficult for an adult to recover from an illness, then this is another sign. Fungal, allergic diseases, dysbacteriosis are three more signs of weakened immunity.

Weakness, constant sleepiness, apathy, reluctance to do anything - they just shout - we need to increase our defenses, take care of ourselves!

2.I constantly get sick with colds: how can I boost my immunity?

2.1 Garlic, honey, lemon

You can take care of your health at home. I will tell you what remedies should be prepared to increase our defenses.

Honey-lemon remedy

Great helper for frequent colds diseases:

- take two heads of garlic,
- 200 grams of honey (the honey must be real),
- four lemons.

Peel the garlic, pass it through a meat grinder, add chopped unpeeled lemons with peel to the mixture, mix everything with honey. Place the mixture in a jar, close the lid, and put it in the refrigerator. We take 2 teaspoons before each meal. Course - 12 days.

This recipe is contraindicated for ulcers and gastritis.

This mixture is good because it saves us from infection even when we are close to someone with the flu. This remedy is made by my family, all my friends. Helps a lot!

Activates defenses very quickly nut tincture. Take two glasses of crushed shells pine nuts, pour a bottle of vodka, leave in a dark cabinet for 60 days. You should drink half a teaspoon before each meal. Course - 21 days. Three such courses need to be done.

2.2 Compote with herbs, products, propolis

Strengthening the immune system folk remedies based on herbs. For the healing compote you need to take the following components:

- take herbs, all in the 1st part - lemon balm, mint, chestnut flowers, fireweed - mix,
- take 5 tablespoons of the mixture, pour one liter of boiling water,
- Leave for 2 hours, strain,
- add compote of currants, cranberries, cherries, viburnum, prepared without sugar in 2 liters of water,
- drink 0.5 liters daily.

To the question: what foods increase our defenses? I will answer: garlic, onions, carrots, ginger, radishes, celery, parsley, cranberries, citrus fruits. Everything is very simple, most importantly, accessible!

Watch a video on this topic with Elena Malysheva:

There is an opportunity to buy pharmaceutical preparations, for example, propolis tincture. It is taken 25 drops per small amount of water. Drink within 30 minutes. before meals. The tincture contains vitamins and a lot of microelements.

2.3 Drugs that enhance immunity

If you catch a cold, medications will help you, you just need to know which ones.

Let's see which medications have earned the trust of doctors and patients.

Immunal. Its basis is echinacea extract. You need to take it from 1 to 8 weeks, then take a break, then repeat the same course. There is also Dr. Theiss's echinacea tincture, which is also a good medicine.

Eleutherococcus extract. An effective, inexpensive natural medicine that gives strength. Especially useful during times of great mental and physical stress. Tincture of ginseng, as well as Chinese lemongrass, has the same abilities.

2.4 Immunostimulants of bacterial origin

These substances contain enzymes that cause certain diseases, so they will help the body create protective bodies, thereby strengthening immune system.

Ribomunil. Used for respiratory diseases. Absolutely harmless.
Broncho-munal. Prescribed for the treatment of the upper respiratory tract. Even children can take it.
Lycopid. An excellent substance that strengthens the defenses, can be taken for frequent, sluggish, chronic diseases.
Imudon. A substance prescribed to treat infections oral cavity and throat.

You can name other drugs that help with infectious diseases, these are Viferon, Grippferon, Arbidol, Anaferon, Cycloferon.

3. Why is increased immunity dangerous?

It turns out that immunity can also harm a person, working in the opposite direction!

Excessively strong immunity, as well as prolonged exposure to immunostimulants on the body, often leads to serious side effects, which become an intractable problem for anyone who abuses them.

So called diseases increased immunity, they are also brought to a doctor who will prescribe the drugs that will stop the overly raging “defenders”.

Therefore, I always advise that before taking strong pills, you need to consult a doctor. Only he can say whether this or that composition can be taken.

It is worth noting that those people who constantly take drugs such as adaptogens can develop diseases of increased immunity. Why is this happening?

Native immunity will become lazy, as it receives continuous medicinal assistance, so he no longer wants to fight on his own.

As soon as a person stops drinking them, the bacteria and microbes that inhabit us immediately attack the defenseless body, the person gets a disease such as pneumonia, sore throat, allergies, and these diseases are difficult to treat. And all this is due to an overly strong immune system!

It's better to take natural preparation, knowing that it increases immunity, but slowly and smoothly, without exerting harmful effect on the body.

I am sure that natural immunostimulants will help restore our protective bodies even after antibiotics.

Finally, I would like to wish all my readers, do not overdo it with medications, even such useful ones as for increasing protective antibodies.

Today I answered a reader’s question: “I constantly get colds: how to increase immunity? How did you like the article? If yes, then be sure to share it on social networks, subscribe to blog updates and wait for the continuation.

Frequent colds can have a variety of causes, ranging from "worrying" to "very serious." Finding the true cause of frequent colds means ruling out or confirming every possibility - in other words, making a diagnosis.

Diagnosis is usually difficult process due to the huge number possible causes and symptoms associated with frequent colds, however, the main factors can be grouped into a small group:

Adrenal fatigue
Hypothyroidism
Food allergies
Selenium deficiency
Weakened immune system
High histamine levels
Allergy to milk
Environmental Impact
Poor hygiene

Below we will talk in detail about some of the reasons why you have frequent colds.

Frequent colds are constant viral attacks

The most common cold viruses are called rhinoviruses (40% of all colds). By and large, the most important thing you should know about cold viruses is that rhinoviruses are real fans. cold weather. Rhinoviruses reproduce (produce offspring) fastest at a body temperature of 33-35 ° C. This simply means that if your body temperature is low, you are more likely to end up carrying the common cold virus. Coronaviruses cause about 20% of colds, while respiratory syncytial virus and parainfluenza virus cause 10% of colds

Constant colds love a cold body

The main changes in body temperature throughout the day depend on your activity level. Typically, body temperature is lowest in the morning. This is the best time to measure your body temperature. Lie quietly in bed under the covers, do nothing, just relax and take the measurement. Temperatures below 36.5°C may contribute to recurring colds. Don't be surprised if you see 34.5°C or 35.5°C on your thermometer. Such low temperatures are common for people with metabolic problems and weak immune systems.
You may not be aware, but some foods can make your body colder. Below is a chart of cold and heat foods so you can always remember which foods to avoid if you are prone to constant colds.

Environment can cause frequent colds

The cold of the body and the environment can “complement” each other. If you often get colds, using air conditioning and traveling to Salekhard may not be on your list of priorities. Environment plays a big role in your health. Where you work and where you live can have a significant impact on how often you get colds. If you work in an air-conditioned room where the cold wind blows directly at you, you will be more prone to catching colds. If you live in a cold, damp climate, this certainly doesn't help strengthen your immune system. The damp cold is very dangerous factor risk for those people who have frequent colds.

Constant colds? Check products

The foods you choose also affect your body temperature. That's why you shouldn't eat salads in winter, and it's wise not to forget about chili peppers. Traditional Chinese medicine very wise when it comes to energy and food. Cold people should avoid cold foods: wheat, tomatoes, citrus fruits, bananas, yogurt, and cucumber. Instead, they should consume more warm foods: garlic, ginger, cinnamon, oats, lamb, trout, coconut. If you don’t understand the rules of food energy, you can make things worse for yourself. You may think you are eating healthy food, but energetically it does not meet your needs. For example, yogurt for breakfast, salad for lunch and a sandwich white bread, will make you colder in the future. This is the menu good idea for heat, but this is bad news if you have recurring colds.

Hypoglycemia and frequent colds

Low sugar, a condition called hypoglycemia, is a common reason for cooling off, but that doesn't mean you need to kick it up a notch. Low blood sugar does not occur due to low sugar in the diet, but due to the inability to maintain stable blood sugar levels in the liver. There are several causes of hypoglycemia. Although hypoglycemia is one of the causes of persistent colds, we hope this situation does not apply to you.

Allergies and frequent colds

Low sugar can also happen after eating a food that you are allergic/sensitive to. Your sudden yawning, drowsiness, or low energy could simply be a sign that your body's sugar levels are low. Check your temperature at the time of these symptoms and see if it has dropped. Remember that body temperature does not decrease due to every food allergies and intolerance, but in some cases. Keep a list of foods that cause your temperature to drop handy - avoiding these foods can prevent your body from becoming unnecessarily cool and thus minimize the incidence of colds.

A weakened immune system causes frequent colds

Weakened immunity means that a person's immune system is unable to fight antigens. Antigens are like that harmful substances, So:

bacteria
toxins
cancer cells
viruses
mushrooms
allergens (eg pollen)
foreign blood or tissue

IN healthy body, the invading antigen meets with antibodies, proteins that destroy harmful substances. However, in some people, the immune system does not work as well as it should and is unable to produce effective antibodies to prevent illness, particularly the common cold.
You may inherit immune system disorders or they may come from malnutrition ( an insufficient amount vitamins and nutrients). Any immune system also tends to weaken with age. Therefore, older people get colds more often than middle-aged people.

Poor hygiene and frequent colds

Dirty hands “pick up” constant colds

Your hands come into contact with many germs throughout the day. If you don't wash your hands regularly and then touch your face, lips, or food, you can spread viruses and infect yourself.

Simply washing your hands with running water and antibacterial soap for 20 seconds will help you stay healthy and avoid illnesses caused by viruses and bacteria. Use disinfectants for hands when pure water and soap are not available.

Clean countertops, doorknobs, and electronics surfaces (like your phone, tablet, and computer) with wipes when you're sick. To prevent frequent colds, you need to wash your hands:

before and after cooking
before meals
before and after caring for a sick person
before and after wound treatment
after using the bathroom
after changing diapers or helping a child
after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
after touching animals or handling waste or food
after processing the garbage

Poor oral health and frequent colds

Teeth are not only the mirror of your health, but also the door to your body, and your mouth is a safe haven for good and bad bacteria. When you're not sick, your body's natural defenses keep your mouth healthy. Daily brushing and flossing also removes dangerous bacteria and viruses. But when pests get out of control, it can make you sick and cause inflammation and problems elsewhere in your body.

Long-term, chronic problems with the oral cavity can have great consequences. Poor health dental problems are associated with several problems, including:

heart diseases
premature birth
low birth weight
endocarditis (infection in the inner lining of the heart)
constant colds
gastrointestinal problems

To maintain healthy teeth and gums, you should brush and floss at least twice a day (especially after meals) and visit your dentist regularly.

Hypothyroidism and persistent colds

The term means low function thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism probably affects hundreds of thousands of people, but diagnosis is not always easy or straightforward. Clinical signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism include many health problems, including a persistent cold or flu:

Low body temperature (as mentioned above, low temperature body affects the rate at which cold viruses multiply), dry skin/hair (red hair is at particular risk for hypothyroidism), inappropriate weight gain and/or inability to lose weight, brittle nails, insomnia and/or narcolepsy, short-term memory and poor concentration, fatigue, headaches pain and migraines, premenstrual syndrome and related problems and violations menstrual cycle, depression, hair loss (including eyebrows), low motivation and ambition, cold hands and feet, fluid retention, dizziness, irritability, skin problems/infections/ acne, infertility, dry eyes/blurred vision, heat and/or cold intolerance, low blood pressure, elevated level cholesterol, digestive problems (irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, constipation, etc.), lack of coordination, decreased libido, decreased or excessive sweating, frequent colds/sore throats, asthma/allergies, slow healing, itching, recurrent infections, food intolerance, increased susceptibility to abuse psychoactive substances, anxiety attacks/panic attacks, yellow-orange discoloration of the skin (especially the palms), yellow bumps on the eyelids, slow speech, fluid in the ears, etc.

Adrenal fatigue and frequent colds

Although adrenal fatigue resembles hypothyroidism in some aspects, there are also significant differences between these states. Hypothyroidism usually occurs with a number of key symptoms, although each person experiences thyroid dysfunction differently. In case of adrenal fatigue, individual experience even more diverse, since metabolism depends on the adrenal glands. The circadian nature of adrenal function often means that certain time day/night will be more troublesome than others; This circadian pattern is not observed in thyroid problems. More common symptoms of adrenal fatigue are listed below:

Loss of energy in different time per day
anxiety
Sugar/salt cravings
Poor appetite in the morning
sensitivity to loud noises
sleep disorders
episodes of hypoglycemia
frequent colds/infections
palpitations/chest pain
thin, brittle nails

Similarities between adrenal fatigue and hypothyroidism

Low Energy
Constant colds
Cold hands
Low body temperature
Weight gain
Sluggish digestion

It may be noted that many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism were present in cases of confirmed adrenal fatigue and vice versa. This is intercom between the thyroid and adrenal glands, which is often referred to as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal thyroid axis. Both of these glands are associated with energy production, and their work balances each other.

Denial of responsibility : The information presented in this article about common colds is intended to inform the reader only and is not a substitute for consultation with a healthcare professional.

Cold is a collective name large group acute respiratory infections, manifested by catarrhal inflammation of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and very diverse symptoms. If a person is in good enough health and good immunity, he gets sick extremely rarely. And an organism with a weakened immune system is a constant source of infection with infected microbes.

In this article we will look at how a cold occurs, what the first signs and symptoms are, as well as what treatment is most effective for adults.

What is a cold?

The cold is a viral infectious disease that affects the upper Airways. Let us immediately note that the term is colloquial, while hidden under it infectious diseases– ARVI (), rarely – .

Infection occurs through airborne droplets or household contact, therefore, it is advisable to stay close to the infected person medical mask and disinfect all surfaces in the room daily.

According to WHO, an adult gets sick with colds three times a year, a schoolchild – about 4 times a year, and a preschooler – up to 6 times a year.

Five percent picked up viral infection get a cold, and only 75 percent feel the symptoms. The same pathogen can cause only a slight headache in some people, while in others it can cause a severe runny nose and cough.

Causes

The common cold is a highly contagious infection that easily spreads between people through even minimum quantity pathogens that enter the integumentary membranes of the respiratory tract. This contagiousness is explained by the tropism (affinity) of the viral agent for the tissues of the human body.

Among the most common causes of colds are viruses - rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), reoviruses, enteroviruses (), influenza and parainfluenza viruses.

To contract a cold or ARVI, two basic rules must be followed:

weakened immune system
entry into infection.

Weakening of the immune system can occur not only during hypothermia, but also in other situations:

Severe stress. Nervous shock and anxiety reduce the body's ability to defend itself, so they can lead to serious illness.
Constant overwork. Lack of sleep, excessive loads during operation they also reduce resistance.
Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Correct regular meals not only helps control weight, but also helps protect against colds.

Source of infection: more often it is a patient with cold symptoms, sometimes a carrier of a virus (adenovirus, etc.) or bacteria (pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, etc.). The maximum contagiousness is in the first days of the disease, however, the contagious period can begin 1-2 days before the onset of symptoms and lasts 1.5-2, and sometimes more than weeks (for example, adenoviral infection).

By type of infection:

Viral infection It is transmitted only from person to person. That is, before the disease there must have been contact with a sick person.
Bacterial infection can be transmitted not only from person to person. Bacteria are everywhere around us. Sometimes even an acute respiratory disease is caused by those bacteria that have previously lived peacefully inside the body. But the immune system weakened as a result of hypothermia, and an ordinary bacterium caused the disease.

Incubation period of a cold(from infection to the mucous membrane until the first signs appear) is about 2 days.

First signs

Colds rarely start suddenly high temperature body and weakness that “knocks you down.” Usually begins suddenly with a sore throat, followed by other symptoms:

Watery nasal discharge
sneezing
Increased fatigue and weakness
Cough – dry or wet

Malaise increases gradually, temperature increases during the first day after the onset of cold symptoms. Muscle and joint pain may occur.

Cold symptoms in adults

So, common list The symptoms for any type of cold are:

General weakness, malaise;
Aches in muscles and joints;
Sore and sore throat, redness of the throat;
Cough;
Pain in the eyes, tearing;
Headache;
Increased body temperature up to 38.5°C;
Increased sweating, chills;
Lack of appetite;
Insomnia;
Increase lymph nodes.

During a cold, the functioning of the glands responsible for the separation of protective mucus, which is stored in several cavities of the skull, is disrupted. When the immune system begins to fight viruses, a lot of “waste” is created - toxins that need to be flushed out of the body. As a result, the amount of mucous secretions increases several times, but the glands cannot regulate them normally, so the fluid stagnates in the nasal sinuses.

This is why colds are characterized by both severe runny nose, with the help of which the body seeks to get rid of infection.

In the table, we will look in more detail at each of the symptoms.

	Symptoms
Temperature	Fever during a cold is one of the main signs of the disease. Depending on the size of the numbers, it is customary to distinguish: subfebrile values (37.1-38.0°C), febrile (38.1-39.0°C), pyretic (39.1-40.0°C) and hyperpyretic (above 40.0°C). The temperature reaction depends on the functioning of the human immune system. In one case, it may practically not rise, and in another, it may “jump” sharply already in the first hours of illness.
Intoxication	A symptom caused by exposure of organs and tissues to toxins of pathogens or their own substances produced to fight infection. Intoxication manifests itself in the form of: myalgia (muscle pain), dizziness, weaknesses, nausea, sleep disturbance.
Cough	A cough is rarely the first sign of a cold. Most often, it begins some time after the appearance of a runny nose, sore throat and fever.
A sore throat	Painful sensations can vary in intensity - from tolerable to very strong, making it difficult to swallow food and speak. Patients are also concerned about a sore throat and coughing.
Runny nose	Nasal congestion is not only the first, but also perhaps the main sign of a cold, by which it can be distinguished, for example, from. On the first day of disease progression, the secretion is clear and liquid. The discharge is profuse, quite often causing sneezing, as well as itching in the nose with redness of the eyes. If symptoms such as: Pain to the right and left of the nose, in the bridge of the nose; Nasal voice; Nasal congestion does not go away even after taking medications. This means that an ordinary runny nose has turned into serious complication– sinusitis, etc. in this case, antibiotics must be prescribed.
Headache	It can be constant and intensify with increasing temperature. Excruciating headache is characteristic of exacerbation and is one of the typical symptoms.

On the second or third day, the symptoms begin to subside, and the patient begins to feel better. On the third day, the person with a cold begins to recover. For complete recovery from the moment of illness, it takes 5-7 days, depending on the degree, state of the immune system and the approach to treating the disease.

So, to summarize all of the above, reason to see a doctor if you have a cold should serve:

early childhood patient (up to 3 years, especially infants);
uncontrollable temperature above 38° for more than 3 days;
unbearable headache, throbbing local headache;
the appearance of a rash on the torso and limbs;
the appearance of a bacterial component of the discharge (yellowish and greenish color mucus from the nose, phlegm, severe sore throat), barking cough;
the appearance of severe weakness and pain in chest when coughing;
elderly patients over 65 years of age;
persons with chronic bacterial foci (sinusitis and others);
people with comorbidities(oncology, hematological patients, liver, kidney pathology).

Complications

Colds are diseases full recovery in which it occurs in the vast majority of cases, but complications still occur. The most common is a lingering cold, which means symptoms persist after two weeks.

Possible complications of colds in adults:

Appearance severe pain in one or both ears, hearing loss, increased temperature indicates. Symptoms mean that the infection has spread from the nasal cavity to the ear cavity.
Inflammation paranasal sinuses nose (sinusitis, frontal 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 nose).
A cough that worsens at night is typical as a consequence of a cold. At first it may be dry and rough, then it becomes moist and mucus begins to form. With bronchitis, in contrast to and, rough, whistling and buzzing dry wheezing appears, hard breathing, as well as large bubble moist rales.
Complications of a cold include inflammation of the lymph nodes - lymphadenitis. The lymph nodes in the neck are most often affected.

Diagnostics

If you have or only suspect the development of a cold, you should immediately seek advice from doctors such as a general practitioner. A doctor usually diagnoses a cold based on descriptions of symptoms and findings during a physical examination.

Laboratory tests are generally not performed unless there are concerns about another health condition, such as bacterial disease or potential complications.

Cold treatment at home

Actually healthy body he himself is able to cope with the disease, so all the patient must do is help his body cope with the disease. Need to ensure bed rest, excluding serious physical activity.

There are several rules that should not be broken when treating a cold:

Bed and semi-bed rest. This is necessary for the body to accumulate strength to fight infection, as well as to prevent a secondary infection from joining the person. Also this is preventive measure to prevent the spread of pathogenic microflora in places where the patient frequently stays;
If going to work is inevitable, then you should beware of increased physical activity, as this can negatively affect the activity of the heart and blood vessels;
Drink plenty of warm drinks– green or black tea, herbal infusions– promotes the removal of toxins from the body;
Balanced diet with an increase in the amount of vitamins, giving up alcohol, spicy, fatty, fried foods. The cooking method is also important - in order not to injure a sore throat, it is better to choose broths, soft foods of moderate temperature that will not irritate the mucous membrane;
You cannot lower the temperature if it has not reached 38 degrees. Although its increase is associated with chills and other unpleasant sensations, it is with its help that the body fights bacteria and viruses. During chills, the body produces interferon, a protein that effectively resists infection. The higher the temperature, the more of it, and the faster body cope with the disease;
When severe congestion nose and cough It is important to position your head higher during the night, that is, sleep in a half-sitting position. With this position of the body, mucus from the nose and cough are much less annoying.

Medicines for treatment

On pharmacy shelves there are antiviral drugs prescribed for colds:

Amizon;
Anaferon;
Arbidol;
Ingavirin;
Influcid;
Kagocel;
Oseltamivir;
Rimantadine;
Tamiflu.

We constantly monitor the temperature during a cold, if it does not rise above 38 and you feel normal, do not take antipyretic drugs, heat destroys viruses and microbes. It is necessary to resort to antipyretic medications to treat colds only in cases where the temperature is above 38°C

Common and effective means to lower the temperature are soluble drugs based on paracetamol:

Coldrex;
Theraflu;
Fervex;
Pharmacitron.

Nazol – a convenient spray, used 2-3 times a day;
Nazol Advance - convenience in the form of a spray, contains essential oils, applies 2 rubles/day;
Nazivin – convenient forms for adults, babies;
Tizin - drops containing essential oils, effective for viscous nasal discharge.
Lazolvan nasal spray (thin the nasal mucus).
Pinosol ( oil solution) drops and spray.

Reception feature vasoconstrictor drops into the nose: the course should not exceed 5-7 days, otherwise the drugs will stop working, and the nasal mucosa will atrophy.

Antihistamines are medications used to treat allergies. They have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, therefore they relieve signs of inflammation: swelling of the mucous membranes, nasal congestion. New generation drugs such as Semprex (Claritin), Zyrtec, Fenistil do not cause drowsiness.

Cough. For a severe dry cough, use: “Codelac”, “Sinekod”. To liquefy sputum - “Ascoril”, “ACC” (ACC). To remove phlegm from the respiratory tract - plantain syrup, "Tussin".

Antibiotics are used only when bacterial complications , in relation to viruses they are absolutely useless. Therefore, they are not prescribed during a cold.

The fact is that antibiotics suppress the immune system, destroy beneficial microflora intestines, so only a specialist can decide whether the expected benefit from the use of antibiotics exceeds the harm they cause.

Nasal rinsing for colds

Isotonic (saline) solution. The dosage should be 0.5-1 teaspoon per 200 ml boiled water. Salt prevents the growth and reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms, thins mucus and promotes its removal.
Soda or iodine-soda solution. Prepared in a similar concentration. Soda creates an alkaline environment in the nasal cavity, unfavorable for the growth of colonies of pathogenic microorganisms.

Gargling

To gargle for a cold at home, you can use:

Saline, soda solutions;
Breast preparations prepared independently or purchased at a pharmacy;
Propolis tincture;
Gargle with hydrogen peroxide. It needs to be diluted by taking 2 teaspoons per 50 ml warm water. You need to use the product 3-5 times a day until you feel relief.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies for colds are almost always included in the treatment regimen respiratory diseases, thanks to its beneficial properties.

At the first symptoms, it is useful to prepare for treatment carrot juice and stir in the pulp of 3-5 cloves of garlic. Take the medicine half a glass 3-4 times a day an hour before meals for five days.
Foot baths. If the disease is accompanied by no fever, then mustard can be added to the water. To do this, add one tablespoon of dry powder per 7 liters. Place your feet in the water and hold until the water begins to cool. After this, dry them well and put woolen socks on your feet.
Mix 30 g sea buckthorn oil , 20 g fresh calendula juice, 15 g melted cocoa butter, 10 g honey, 5 g propolis. If you have a runny nose, soak a cotton swab in this mixture and insert it into your nose for 20 minutes.
Pour 1 teaspoon dry crushed dandelion roots with 1 cup of boiling water, leave in a sealed container in a boiling water bath for half an hour, cool, strain. Take in the same way as the infusion for a cold.
Viburnum berry is able to provide unique therapeutic effect. For getting positive effect You can make a decoction from the product using a spoonful of berries in a glass of water. It is advisable to drink the resulting fruit drink warm and with honey.
For a runny nose, instill 3-5 drops of aloe into each nostril 4-5 times a day, tilting your head back and massaging the wings of the nose after instillation.
Relieve sore throat Linden flowers will help get rid of cough. Linden tea: two teaspoons of linden blossom per mug of water.

How to protect yourself from colds?

A cold is the result of a temporary decrease in immunity and contact with infection. Accordingly, prevention is aimed at preventing these risk factors.

What can you do to avoid catching a cold?

Avoid crowded places where the risk of infection is much higher.
If possible, stay away from people with colds.
Do not touch your nose or eyes after you have been in physical contact with a person who is sick.
Wash your hands thoroughly, especially when you have a runny nose.
Ventilate your room well.

If treatment for a cold is not started in time, there is a risk of complications, which over time can develop into chronic diseases. Therefore, take care of yourself, start helping your body at the first symptoms and generally monitor your health all year round.

Temperature changes in the autumn-spring period become a test of strength for many. The body, accustomed to the summer heat, is suddenly attacked by cold air and piercing wind. Often the result is numerous colds, sometimes requiring long-term treatment and nervous and financial costs.

Definition of disease

What is meant by the everyday word “cold”? There is a whole spectrum that occurs as a result of hypothermia of the body, or acute respiratory infections. Colds are usually accompanied by inflammation of the mucous membranes, which invariably leads to rhinitis. People often refer to colds as colds, which is fundamentally wrong, since these diseases have pathogens - viruses.

Colds develop gradually, while viruses most often strike suddenly, accompanied by a jump in temperature. When you have a cold, the following symptoms gradually increase:

Increasing runny nose, sometimes sore throat;
When the swelling moves from the larynx to the bronchi, a cough begins;
Signs of general malaise: weakness, aches, lack of appetite;
The temperature does not rise above 38°C;

Respiratory disease, if ignored, becomes the cause of bronchitis, sinusitis, otitis, rhinitis, tonsillitis, pneumonia, laryngitis, pharyngitis.

Frequent colds are the result of malfunctions in the human immune system, caused by a variety of reasons.

Reduced immunity is the cause of frequent colds

Immunity is given to a person from birth, and when resistance to disease has high threshold, they say that a person is in good health. In fact we're talking about about the level of immunity, because it is the main barrier between the human body and numerous pathogenic microbes.

A high level of immunity can be provided at the gene level (hereditary) or simulated artificially (). Sometimes immunity to a disease is acquired as a result of past illness(acquired immunity).

If for a number of reasons, or even just one, the functioning of the immune system is disrupted in at least one link, human body begins to fail during disease attacks on different areas, and one of the first to be affected is the upper respiratory tract, the gateway of infection to the body. The result is frequent colds, up to 4-6 per year.

Signs of reduced immunity

Determine decreased immunity yourself without additional research quite problematic, but there are a number of signs, the presence of which may be a reason to consult a doctor:

Deterioration general well-being (chronic fatigue, weakness, headaches, aches in muscles and joints);
Condition of skin, hair, nails(pallor and flaking of the skin, swelling under the eyes, dry and brittle hair, falling out a lot, pale and brittle nails);
Prolonged and acute respiratory infections;
No fever with a cold;
Exacerbation of chronic diseases and an increase in the number of new diseases.

A decrease in immunity is indicated by the occurrence autoimmune diseases and frequent allergic reactions are evidence of incorrect functioning of the immune system. The reasons for this may be the following:

Unbalanced diet;
Lack of physical activity;
Unfavorable living conditions (lack of sleep, overwork, poor environment);
Uncontrolled use of antibiotics.

Reasons for decreased immunity also include increased hygiene levels in modern conditions life, which leads to “unemployment” and, as a result, a weakening of the immune system. Often these same reasons cause allergic reaction when the subject of attack immune cells become harmless antigens - pollen, house dust, volatiles cosmetics and perfumes.

Possible complications

The consequences of decreased immunity manifest themselves in increased vulnerability various infections and, in particular, colds. Endless acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections attack a weakened body and do not receive proper resistance. As a result, there is a need to use more and more strong drugs, which, in turn, further reduce immunity.

Lack of immunity often causes autoimmune and allergic diseases. Most often, due to dysfunction of the immune system, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid joint diseases.

How to boost your immunity

Raising immunity is a complex and painstaking task, which includes a number of measures aimed at eliminating malfunctions in a certain area of the immune system. Only a qualified specialist can determine this area.

Carrying out measures to boost immunity must be agreed upon with the attending physician or (in the case of drug therapy) an immunologist. Self-medication is fraught with the occurrence unpredictable consequences for the immune system and the whole body.

hardening

To obtain the desired effect from hardening procedures in order to increase immunity, it is necessary to have an understanding of the hardening mechanism. When certain areas of the skin are exposed to sudden cooling, the body seeks to reduce heat loss by draining blood and lymph from the cooled areas and constricting blood vessels. As a result, it happens accelerated cleansing tissues from toxins and dead cells, they are healed and rejuvenated, their resistance increases.

However, for the body this is a significant expenditure of energy, the load falls on the kidneys, liver, lymphatic system. And if a person does not have an energy reserve, then during hardening the resources necessary to activate the body’s work can exceed the body’s capabilities. The systems are overloaded, and instead of gaining health, a person gets an illness, often associated with a cold.

Before engaging in hardening procedures, you need to feel and accept the principles of hardening:

revise life priorities and tune in to believe in vitality human body;
Plan the intensity and duration of hardening procedures based on the sensations of your body, observing the measure;
Follow the principle of gradualism - the body must withstand loads at an increasing pace, and not take a record barrier on the fly, otherwise there is a risk of injury instead of a high result;
Like any healing procedures, hardening will give results only with regularly carried out activities. One missed procedure (like taking an antibiotic) can negate previous results;
Even with good health hardening activities lead to significant energy consumption, so after the procedures it is necessary to replenish them - rub yourself with a hard towel or warm up under a hot shower (in a bathhouse), and then dress warmly.

Hardening is one of the fundamental principles increasing immunity, however, the approach to it should be as thorough as possible, since hardening procedures carried out illiterately can be harmful.

Physical exercise

Movement is life, one of the most treacherous enemies modern man– physical inactivity. This also affects the immune system. Without movement, the rate of blood circulation decreases and lymphatic drainage slows down. This means increasing slagging in the body and a lack of essential nutrients in the tissues, which leads to immunodeficiency.

However, like hardening, physical activity should be observed in moderation, again based on the body’s resources. For example, for pensioners aged 60–70 years, 15 minutes daily exercise to significantly reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

A young body can withstand much more heavy loads, but even here it is necessary to know the line beyond which overload begins, and, therefore, harm instead of benefit. Intense exercise for 1.5 hours makes a person susceptible to illness in the 72 hours after exercise.

Like hardening, physical activity gives positive results only in compliance with the principles of proportionality, regularity and gradualism.

Medications

TO medications Doctors resort to boosting immunity in the most severe cases. This is explained by the fact that the mechanism of operation of the immune system has not been sufficiently studied; exposure to some components can lead to inhibition of others.

However, there are several groups of drugs prescribed for decreased immunity:

Herbal immunostimulants: eleutherococcus, ginseng, Schisandra chinensis, Kalanchoe, Echinacea, Rhodiola rosea, hawthorn, aloe;
Preparations of animal origin: thymalin, timaktide, thymogen, myelopid, T-activin, vilosen, immunofan;
Facilities microbial origin: Bronchomunal, Imudon, Likopid, IRS-19, Pyrogenal, Ribomunil;
Interferon inducers(stimulants): Amiksin, Dipyridamole, Lavomax, Cycloferon, Arbidol, Kagocel, Neovir.

All medicinal drugs to boost immunity have side effects, and self-medication with these drugs is fraught with unpredictable consequences.

Traditional medicine

Folk recipes for boosting immunity include products containing a variety of vitamins and microelements necessary for the full functioning of all body systems. First of all, you should create a diet where enough contains:

Water (2.5 – 3 l);
Dairy products;
Garlic;
Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries), fruits (apples, persimmons, bananas, pomegranates), vegetables (carrots, Bell pepper, pumpkin, zucchini);
Seafood and sea fish;
Nuts and seeds, honey and bee products;
Meat and fish, legumes and eggs.

Each product contributes to the chain of normalization of processes in the body, including immune ones. There are a number of recipes for boosting immunity:

Chopped ginger root(about 2 cm in length) boil in 2 liters of boiling water for about 10 minutes. Drink a glass twice a day with the addition of honey and lemon;
A mixture of honey and crushed beebread is taken 1 tsp 3 times a day a quarter of an hour before meals;
A decoction of rose hips (boil 100 g of fruit per 1 liter of water for 5 minutes) is left for 8 hours to infuse, take 1 tbsp. l. after meal;
Boil a glass of unpeeled oats in 800 ml of milk for 2 minutes, leave for 30 minutes. , filter and squeeze. Drink 200 ml of decoction 3 times a day. per day in 30 minutes. before meals, course of treatment – 2 months;
Make a mixture of 5 g mummy, juice of 3 lemons and 100 g crushed aloe leaves, leave for 24 hours in a dark place and take 3 times a day, 1 tbsp. l.

Folk recipes include various products who may have unfavorable side effect specifically on your body. Before using them, try to obtain comprehensive information about the components.

Video

conclusions

Methods of healing the body and increasing immunity undoubtedly play a role important role V . However, there are also factors that influence big influence on the body's resistance. The main ones are bad habits and constant stress.

The life of a modern person, due to the increasing informatization of all aspects, is constantly accelerating. Nervous system cannot cope with the amount of information being absorbed and often fails. We begin to get upset over trifles, we are always irritated, we are in a hurry to get somewhere and always don’t have time. But fortunately, there are no reasons for stress Everyday life A little.

Don’t give diseases an extra chance, help your immune system – and it will respond to you with good health.

The main reason for constant colds is weakened immunity. Find out what factors negatively affect defense mechanisms organism.

- the most popular disease that almost everyone has to deal with at least once in 1-2 years. The cause of colds in the vast majority of cases are viruses that cause inflammatory processes in the upper respiratory tract.

As a rule, the body tolerates colds well. In most cases, the recovery process takes no more than 7-10 days, after which the body is completely restored. At the same time, there are many people who are bothered by colds very often. So, if the average Ukrainian gets colds 2-3 times a year, then often sick people suffer 6 or more colds per year! What is the reason for constant colds?

A little about immunity

The reaction to the invasion of a foreign agent (antigen) is the development of an immediate cellular immune response: the body begins to produce special cells that capture the antigen. However, this is not the only line of defense for our body against viruses and bacteria. There is also humoral immunity, consisting of chemically active molecules - serum proteins called immunoglobulins.

The third strategy for protecting the body is nonspecific immunity, which is a barrier that is formed by skin cells, mucous membranes and enzymes that destroy foreign cells in specific environments of the body.

Questions from readers

18 October 2013, 17:25 Good afternoon My child is 3 years and 4 months old. As soon as it got cold outside, I immediately got a runny nose and cough. The cough seemed to go away, but a week later it returned again. We tried many syrups. The cough has begun to clear up, but when she coughs, it seems like she is about to “burp.” We had a consultation with the local doctor. There’s nothing serious - just a cold, but the cough doesn’t go away for a long time. The doctor prescribed another syrup, which did not give any result. Tell me - what to do? Thank you.

Ask a Question

Why does immunity decrease?

There are many various reasons decrease immune status, among which we can distinguish both hereditary and acquired. Most often, the cause of weakened immunity lies in in the wrong way life, namely:

As you understand, the solution to the problem of frequent colds lies through the immune system. Activities aimed at will undoubtedly strengthen the body's resistance to infections. First of all, you need to change your lifestyle: eat right, exercise physical activity and take time to relax. Otherwise, you will constantly expose your body to danger.