Frequent viral illness. What is immunity? Frequent colds are constant viral attacks

The common cold is a common name for diseases of the upper respiratory tract of an infectious origin. It often manifests itself as a consequence of hypothermia and seasonal immunodeficiencies. Viruses cause fever, sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, and other characteristic symptoms. However, they are constantly present in the inhaled air. The body copes with them due to the production of specific immune cells, and a decrease in their number causes another exacerbation.

Frequent colds are dangerous to health. If you do not immediately treat and get rid of the infection completely, it will periodically cause new attacks of the disease. Microorganisms can also migrate to the mucous membrane of the lower respiratory tract, causing chronic bronchitis or even pneumonia. The correct decision is to drink a course of drugs after the first symptoms appear, observing bed rest.

Infectious diseases are characterized by a high degree of contagiousness. Viruses are transmitted by airborne droplets and contact, and bacteria can also remain on environmental objects. Their variety can only be determined by the results of laboratory tests of blood and other material (nasal discharge).

The clinical picture of the disease does not develop in everyone and differs in the level of severity. This is due to the work of the immune system and its ability to inactivate pathogenic microflora.

Infection can occur during the incubation period (the first 2 days after infection, sometimes more). Even if the patient has not yet shown the first signs of a cold, he is a danger to others.

The role of immunity

There are several levels of infection control. The first of these are phagocytes - blood cells that capture and then mechanically destroy microscopic pathogens. Further included humoral factors - immunoglobulins (antibodies). They react with microbial antigens, rendering them harmless. If pathogenic bacteria or viruses enter healthy cells, another immunity factor begins to be produced - interferons (they are part of some medicines).

Why does the body weaken its protective functions?

Normally, an infection, even if it penetrates the skin or mucous membranes, does not cause a cold. The immune system successfully distinguishes microorganisms, fights them with all available methods. An acute course with severe symptoms can be provoked by the following factors:

weather conditions: low air temperature combined with high humidity;
sleep disturbance;
malnutrition, deficiency of vitamins, minerals;
comorbidities, including chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
stressful situations: some experts believe that it is the psychological state that is responsible for protective mechanisms.

With a decrease in immunity, a person will often get sick. Autumn and winter are the most favorable period for the development of a pathogenic infection. At this time, cases of infection with SARS, influenza, tonsillitis and other contagious diseases are becoming more frequent, which are rapidly spreading among the population.

Possible Complications

With untimely treatment, a common cold can flow into dangerous forms. Most often, its cause is a viral infection, which causes inflammatory reactions on the mucous membrane of the respiratory system. However, over time, bacteria can join it - their presence is accompanied by the release of purulent exudate from the nose, and you can only get rid of them with antibiotics.

Dangerous complications of a cold are chronic bronchitis or pneumonia (pneumonia). These diseases occur when the infection spreads to the lower respiratory tract. The constant tension of the body's defense systems can cause autoimmune or allergic diseases. These include bronchial asthma, sclerosis, Crohn's enteritis, systemic lupus erythematosus.

Signs of reduced immunity

The first symptoms can be detected independently. A person becomes less active, sleep problems appear, the condition of the skin and hair worsens. All chronic diseases are exacerbated, including fungus or herpes. When these signs appear, it is worth contacting for a more detailed examination.

The doctor draws attention to the following complaints:

constant subfebrile body temperature - it keeps at the level of 37 degrees;
frequent cases of colds (for adults - more than 4 times a year);
infectious diseases last longer than 2 weeks, often recur;
insomnia.

The patient suffers simultaneously from many manifestations of immunodeficiency. Even if you are completely treated for another acute respiratory disease, it quickly develops anew. The only way to prevent infection is to strengthen the body's defense mechanisms.

What tests should be taken and which doctor should I contact?

If you have a cold, you need to visit a local therapist. After the initial examination, he can give a referral for a consultation with an otolaryngologist (ENT), immunologist or other doctors. During the diagnosis, it is important to determine which factor provoked the clinical picture of the disease. To do this, do sowing exudate of the nasal passages to detect bacteria. Viruses can be detected by characteristic blood tests.

Expert opinion

Valery Sinelnikov

Leading specialist in the field of psychosomatics.

“Any disease is a consequence of the lack of harmony with the inner world. A runny nose indicates low self-esteem, anxiety, disappointment. To get rid of it, it is enough to establish relationships with loved ones, to decide on life goals.

Ways to strengthen immunity

Instead of regularly catching colds or constantly drinking pills in the cold season, it is better to prepare the body for stress. So his fight against infection will be more productive, the risk of infection with viruses will disappear during any contact with them. For this, it is not necessary to take expensive medicines. Sometimes it is enough to pay attention to your lifestyle, normalize nutrition, adjust sleep and wakefulness. Immunomodulation is a set of procedures that consist of simple rules that are performed regularly. Any therapist can advise on methods for preventing colds.

hardening

Dousing with cold water, getting used to low air temperatures - these exercises are best started in the summer. They are useful for weak immunity and frequent colds. In order to understand the importance of hardening, it is worth understanding the mechanism of its action. Cold irritates areas of the skin and helps to activate blood circulation (to warm these areas).

at first, do not strive to show record results - a slight temperature difference is enough;
perform procedures daily - a missed session may affect the indicators already achieved;
the effect must be fixed by rubbing with a towel or in other ways to keep warm.

If an unprepared person pours ice water on himself, it will end with a cold. For the result to be the opposite, do not rush to lower the temperature of the liquid and increase the time of the procedure.

To keep the body in good shape means to increase the respiratory volume of the lungs, strengthen the heart, improve blood circulation and activate the immune defense. However, exercise should also be treated wisely. So, frequent walks and jogs are good for health, and daily strength training quickly depletes the body's reserves. It is also worth considering age and individual characteristics: the regime for pensioners and pregnant women will be different.

As a prevention of colds, cardio loads are more useful. These include running, swimming, cycling and other activities that involve constant movement. They improve blood circulation and lymph flow, so that all tissues have a sufficient amount of oxygen, vitamins and trace elements.

Proper nutrition

With food, a person receives the substances necessary for the body to work at the cellular level. In the gastrointestinal tract, they are ground down to simple compounds and used for chemical reactions with the release of energy. It's not the quantity that matters, but the quality of the food. Fried foods and animal fats are a major source of bad cholesterol. It is deposited in the vessels and causes a noticeable deterioration in health. The basis of the diet should be cereals, plant foods, meat and fish, dairy products. This food is recommended to be taken raw or boiled, at least 4-5 times a day in small portions.

In cold weather, it is difficult to eat right. There are no seasonal fruits and vegetables, so getting the right amount of nutrients is almost impossible. For this, special vitamin complexes are sold in pharmacies. They are created taking into account the needs of the body in patients of different sex and age, as well as many diseases.

Medicines to prevent common colds

The drug method is used only in extreme cases, when strengthening the immune system by simple methods is ineffective. Medicines are available in the form of tablets and are intended to be taken as a course. They include active ingredients in low concentrations. When it enters the bloodstream, the immune system is activated and the production of protective cells is intensive.

The composition of drugs to increase immunity for adults with frequent colds may include:

interferons: Arbidol, Cycloferon, Amiksin;
herbal ingredients: ginseng root, eleutherococcus, rhodiola rosea, echinacea;
components of animal origin: thymalin, T-activin, immunofan;
microbial products: Pyrogenal, Imudon, Bronchomunal and others.

Do not try to find a medicine on your own. For different diseases, different options are suitable. So, with a mild cold, the lightest herbal tablets are optimal, and with advanced forms, you will have to take interferons.

Traditional medicine

Treatment according to old recipes does not lose popularity even with an abundance of capsules and powders. However, their naturalness does not always mean safety and effectiveness. The action of medicinal herbs directly depends on immunity, the presence of allergic reactions, chronic kidney and liver failure. There are drugs that can be advised at any age and condition. It is useful to add lemon, ginger, fresh or frozen raspberries, viburnum or mountain ash to a hot drink. There is also a way to boil ginger root, mix it with honey and lemon and take it every day. Onions and garlic are no less useful - they are considered one of the first natural antibiotics.

Frequent manifestations of a cold infection is a disease that can be fought. To do this, it is enough to lead a healthy lifestyle, give up bad habits, harden and play sports.

A person who suffers from a runny nose, flu and other acute respiratory viral infections 6 times a year or more is considered often ill. The reasons for this phenomenon almost always lie in a viral infection.

However, as they grow older, frequent colds no longer bother every month. According to the norms, an adult can get sick no more than twice a year.

At the same time, the causes of such diseases should be in a seasonal cold epidemic.

But not every person has such strong immunity, because according to statistics, the flu and a runny nose appear in an average adult 3-4 times a year. And residents of megacities can develop colds every month, so they are forced to take medications almost constantly. All this is due to a weakened immune system, which is facilitated by many reasons.

The immune system is a protective barrier of the human body, in particular, it is a complex reaction that protects it from harmful agents:

The invasion of the antigen into the body provokes an immune cellular response, manifested by the synthesis of phagocytes - special cells that capture and neutralize foreign materials.

There is also humoral immunity, according to which the antigen neutralizes antibodies (chemically active molecules). They are serum blood proteins, they are also called immunoglobulins.

The third line of protective functions that every organism has is nonspecific immunity. It is a barrier created by mucous membranes, skin, enzymes, specific destructive organisms.

If the virus does get into the cell, then an adult with good immune function will begin to produce interferon (a special cellular protein) as a response. This condition is always accompanied by a very high temperature.

So, there are several ways to protect the body from aggressive uplifting bacterial and viral infections. But unfortunately, today few people have strong immunity.

Why is this happening and what reasons contribute to this?

Why do the protective functions of the body deteriorate?

The most global factor in the weakening of the protective forces is the conduct of an unhealthy lifestyle. So, immunity can decrease even if a person:

overeats;
consumes refined fatty foods;
eats carcinogenic foods (fried and smoked foods) and simple carbohydrates.

Frequent, may develop from a lack of physical activity. The human body must move, because its mechanisms and systems can function normally only with sufficient physical exertion, and most people lead an infantile lifestyle, which causes a runny nose or flu, which has to be treated using potent drugs.

In addition, flu and a runny nose can appear if a person constantly inhales polluted air. This reason is very relevant, because harmful impurities: smog, household chemicals, chlorinated water, nitrates and other harmful elements attack the body every day.

And constant noise and electromagnetic radiation is another factor that answers the question of why people very often get colds.

More frequent colds appear if a person constantly worries and experiences severe stress, so he needs to drink sedatives. In addition, a decrease in immunity is observed due to chronic lack of sleep or fatigue, against which the flu, runny nose and other colds develop.

Also, a person often gets sick due to bad habits. These include excessive alcohol consumption and smoking.

Moreover, scientists came to the conclusion that conditions of increased sterility have a negative impact on the immune system. This may include boiling dishes, using antibacterial soaps, or using antimicrobials for minor cold symptoms.

Such factors do not allow the defense forces to train in the fight against pathogenic microorganisms. In this case, immunity is weakened, which leads to a refined life of a person. In addition, the condition can worsen even if you constantly dress too warmly and spend most of the time in a well-heated room.

And the immune system is interconnected with the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract. So, a deficiency of lacto- and bifidumbacteria can lead to a runny nose, flu or allergies.

How to determine that immunity has fallen?

Signs of poor activity of the protective functions of the body include:

frequent colds;
irritability, constant stress, aggressiveness;
exacerbation of chronic pathologies;
poor condition of the skin (the presence of inflammatory foci, drying out, acne, peeling);
malfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract (weak stools, constipation, bloating);
malaise, drowsiness, fatigue.

The presence of one of these factors or their combination requires a review of lifestyle and appropriate measures. Today, there are many ways by which you can increase the body's defenses. They are divided into two groups:

physiological;
pharmacological.

In the diet of a healthy person, vegetable and animal proteins must necessarily prevail, if they are absent, then immune cells will begin to function poorly.

In addition, food should be rich in essential minerals and vitamins (B, E, A, C).

Healthy proteins can be found in nuts, meat, legumes, eggs, and fish. Foods that are rich in vitamin B are:

nuts;
meat;
seeds;
liver;
bran;
raw yolks;
wholemeal flour;
milk products.

Vitamin E is abundant in wheat grains, avocados and vegetable oil. And vitamin A is found in fruits and vegetables that have a bright color - pumpkin, carrots, apricots, bell peppers, tomatoes. In addition, this valuable trace element is found in the liver, eggs and butter.

Is in:

wild rose;
citrus;
cranberries;
kiwi;
sauerkraut.

It is worth noting that the strengthening of immunity depends on how much the body is enriched with these vitamins. In addition, the prevention of the onset of colds is the regular use of fermented milk products, which will support the intestinal microflora.

In order not to have to treat the flu or a runny nose, taking antiviral drugs, you must follow the correct daily routine and do exercises. For the full functioning of the body, a healthy eight-hour sleep, walks in the fresh air, a normal work schedule and, of course, physical activity are necessary.

In particular, you can quickly raise your immunity if you go in for swimming and winter sports. In this case, the room must be constantly ventilated and sleep with the window open.

But the best prevention of the development of colds is hardening. Today, there are many ways to harden. This can be wiping with a wet towel, dousing with cold water, or you can simply take a foot bath in cool water.

However, in order not to harm the body, it is better to start such procedures in the summer, and lower the degree of water every month. This, in turn, will help to avoid the occurrence of diseases such as the common cold and flu.

In addition, even if a cold occurs, it will proceed in a mild form, which will allow you not to take medications that have a lot of side effects.

Anti-cold prevention involves taking adaptogenic drugs every 3 months:

Aloe;
Eleutherococcus;
echinacea tincture;
Golden root;
Ginseng.

These natural antivirals should be taken in the evening and in the morning. In addition, if there are stress disorders, then before going to bed you need to drink decoctions of motherwort and lemon balm.

In addition, the prevention of a cold, in particular, during its epidemic, involves taking homeopathic medicines. Three more times a year for one month you need to drink penetration (Bifidumbacterin, Linex, etc.).

A list that includes popular antiviral drugs that prevent the development of diseases such as influenza and the common cold:

Oxolinic ointment;
Panavir (candles);
Arbidol (capsules);
Viferon (candles);
Milife (powder);
Genferon (candles) and others.

If you catch a cold more than six times a year, you can safely classify yourself as a cohort of frequently ill people. An adult healthy person should not get sick more than twice a year, and this should occur during seasonal epidemics of SARS and.

The common cold is contagious and is caused by exposure to cold.

However, in addition to hypothermia, factors contributing to the common cold are also weakened immunity, draft, rain and a number of other reasons. Regardless, if you think you get colds frequently, such as more than once a quarter, see your doctor.

For colds diseases other than influenza and SARS, include nasopharyngitis, tracheitis, laryngitis, herpes simplex, acute bronchi.

Frequent colds are a weakening of the body, the reasons for which are two and they are interconnected. This is a deterioration in immunity and allergies. Allergy provokes decreased immunity, and a decrease in immunity initiates the development of allergies.

Actually, this list is a hint of what needs to be done if you have reduced immunity and are haunted by colds. The first steps for prevention of frequent colds are diagnostics of immunity and allergy.

The first symptoms of a decrease in immunity are frequent colds, deterioration in performance, drowsiness, depression, fungal diseases, fragility of hair and nails, dry skin, rashes, "female" diseases and digestive disorders. However, for a correct diagnosis, it is better to visit an immunologist-allergist.

It is necessary to identify allergens that affect the decrease in immunity and the deterioration of the body as a whole. The easiest way to resolve this issue is to conduct skin tests and identify allergies. After the appointment of treatment, measures to increase immunity begin.

To this end vitamins, physiotherapy, restorative procedures are used, walks in the open air. Quite often sedatives from among phytopreparations help.

Immunity may be closely related to the state of the microflora of the intestinal tract. In the case of a deficiency of bifido- and lactobacilli, immunity is necessarily reduced, which leads to frequent acute respiratory viral infections and allergic pathologies.

Nutrition is a must for boosting immunity. possess animal and vegetable proteins, without which the cells of the immune system function very weakly. In addition, the entire spectrum of mineral-vitamins is also needed, and especially vitamins C, A, E and group B.

Squirrels can be found in fish, meat, eggs, legumes, nuts. Vitamins of the group They are found not only in meat and liver, but also in dairy products, raw yolks, bran and wholemeal bread, nuts and seeds. Vitamin E - vegetable oil, germinated wheat grains, avocados. Vitamin A - in bright vegetables and fruits, these are tomatoes, carrots, pumpkins, apricots, paprika. A lot of this substance in eggs, butter, liver.

Vitamin C - in sauerkraut, citrus fruits, kiwi, rose hips, cranberries.

Do not forget about the daily routine, physical activity and hardening, and there are many methods of physical development and hardening on the Internet.

There are also pharmacological methods of raising immunity. For preventive purposes, natural adaptogens should be consumed up to three times a year. These are the golden root, eleutherococcus, ginseng, aloe, echinacea. It is necessary to follow the dosage that is on the package, use these tinctures in the morning and evening. In the evening, you should brew lemon balm, or motherwort, to reduce the impact of stress on the immune system.

- the diagnosis is not fatal, but terribly sticky. It is unpleasant to get sick, it is inconvenient to get sick, especially if a person works. In addition to the fact that the victim feels unwell, he also infects his colleagues, and if he draws up a sick leave, he immediately becomes objectionable to his superiors.

Contrary to the opinion of the employer, it is considered acceptable if a person has a cold 2-4 times a year, during seasonal epidemics. But when this happens "out of plan" and much more often, you need to act!

Reduced immunity and frequent colds

First of all, the cause of frequent colds is associated with a weakened immune system. The body simply loses the ability to defend itself against aggressive foreign agents - viruses, toxins, and in some cases even its own cells changed due to disease.

Anything can be the reason for a decrease in immunity: stress, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and even excessive hygiene, which completely relaxes the immune system and deprives it of its primary task - to protect the body from foreign agents.

In this case, the right tactic would be, namely:

the use of a complex of vitamins and minerals;
hardening;
physical training (fitness, yoga, etc.);
proper nutrition;
compliance with sleep and wakefulness;
avoiding contact with the infection, especially during the spread of viral diseases.

Stress and frequent colds

Often a cold is picked up by people who are in. And if ARVI usually lasts about a week and can pass even without treatment, then in a state of nervous tension, self-recovery may not occur or be delayed.

As a rule, in this case diseases of organs and systems also join. This requires a medical examination and a doctor's recommendation.

In this case, get rid of frequent colds will help:

avoidance of stressful situations;
complete rest;
food;
healthy sleep.

Improper nutrition and gastrointestinal diseases

Loss of the ability to resist a viral infection is possible due to malnutrition: a large amount of simple carbohydrates, fatty and refined foods, carcinogens (smoked meats and fried foods).

When the body does not receive the necessary nutrients, vitamins (especially C, A, E, D, group B), minerals, not only the general condition worsens, but also the ability to resist a viral infection is lost.

Therefore, a balanced diet with a sufficient amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals is important.

In the fight against frequent colds, peppermint, oranges, lemon, grapefruit, parsley, celery, onions, garlic, cauliflower, foods containing zinc, as well as water, natural juices, teas and herbal infusions are useful.

Drinking liquid prevents dryness in the throat and nose, and also removes toxins from the body.

For diseases of the digestive system (gastritis, pancreatitis, helminthic invasions, etc.), medications are needed.

Rejection of bad habits

In the fight against frequent colds, it is worth reconsidering your habits and taste preferences. It is known that smoking, alcohol, drugs weaken the body's immune system, suppress the functions of organs and systems. It is worth remembering that passive smoking is just as harmful.

Electromagnetic radiation (mobile devices, computers), harmful noises also have a negative impact on health. Therefore, they should be eliminated whenever possible.

Medicines for the prevention of frequent colds

Avoid viral infections allow natural adaptogens - eleutherococcus, ginseng, golden root, aloe, echinacea. It is enough to use them courses 2 times a year.

Also, 2 times a year, you need to drink a course of complex vitamins and probiotics.

In conditions of stress, you can use means to maintain the neuropsychic state - lemon balm or motherwort. And during seasonal epidemics, take homeopathic remedies to increase immunity.

The use of immunomodulators, which is also effective in the fight against frequent colds, is possible only after a doctor's recommendation.

The common cold is the collective name for a large group of acute respiratory infections, manifested by catarrhal inflammation of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and a very diverse symptomatology. If a person has good enough health and good immunity, he rarely gets sick. And an organism with a weakened immune system is a constant focus of infection with infected microbes.

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

What is a cold?

The common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract. Immediately, we note that the term is colloquial, while infectious diseases are hidden under it - SARS (), rarely -.

Infection occurs by airborne droplets or household contact, therefore, it is advisable to be near the infected person in a medical mask and daily disinfect all surfaces in the room.

According to the 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 of those who catch a viral infection develop a cold, and only 75 percent feel its symptoms. The same pathogen can cause only a mild headache in someone, and a severe runny nose and cough in someone.

The reasons

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

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

To become infected with a cold, or SARS, two basic rules must be followed:

weakened immune system
entry into the infection.

Weakened immunity can occur not only with hypothermia, but also in other situations:

Strong stress. Nervous shock and anxiety reduce the body's ability to protect, so they can lead to serious illness.
Constant fatigue. Lack of sleep, excessive stress during work also reduce resistance.
Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Proper regular nutrition not only helps to control weight, but also helps protect against colds.

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

By type of infection:

Viral infection is transmitted only from person to person. That is, before the disease there should 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 those bacteria that have so far lived peacefully inside the body are to blame for an acute respiratory disease. But the immune system weakened as a result of hypothermia, and a common bacterium caused the disease.

incubation period for the common cold(from infection to the mucous membrane and until the first signs appear) is about 2 days.

First signs

Colds rarely start suddenly with high body temperature and "knock down" weakness. It usually starts suddenly with a sore throat followed by other symptoms:

Watery discharge from the nose
sneezing
Increased fatigue and weakness
Cough - dry or wet

The malaise increases gradually, the temperature increases during the first day after the onset of symptoms of a cold. There may be pain in the muscles and joints.

cold symptoms in adults

So, the general list of symptoms for any kind of cold is as follows:

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

During a cold, the work 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 formed - 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 sinuses.

That is why colds are characterized by a strong runny nose at the same time, with the help of which the body seeks to get rid of the infection.

In the table, we will take a closer look at each of the symptoms.

	Symptoms
Temperature	Temperature with 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 can practically not rise, and in the other, it can “jump” sharply already in the first hours of the illness.
Intoxication	A symptom caused by exposure to organs and tissues of toxins of pathogens or their own substances produced in order to fight infection. Intoxication manifests itself in the form of: myalgia (pain in the muscles), dizziness weakness, nausea, sleep disturbance.
Cough	A cough is rarely the first sign of a cold. Most often, it begins some time after the onset of a runny nose, sore throat and fever.
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 sore throat, coughing.
Runny nose	Nasal congestion is not only the first, but also almost the main symptom of a cold, by which it can be distinguished, for example, from. On the first day of the progression of the disease, the separated secret is transparent and liquid. The discharge is copious, quite often causes sneezing, as well as itching in the nose with reddening of the eyes. If symptoms such as: Pain on the right and left of the nose, in the region of the bridge of the nose; nasal voice; Nasal congestion does not go away even after taking medications. This means that the usual runny nose turned into a serious complication - sinusitis, etc. in this case, it is necessary to prescribe antibiotics.
Headache	It can be constant, intensify with increasing temperature. An excruciating headache is characteristic of an 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 patient with a cold begins to recover. For a complete recovery from the moment of the disease, it takes 5-7 days, depending on the degree, the state of the immune system and the approach to treating the disease.

So, summarizing all of the above, reason to see a doctor for a cold should serve:

early childhood age of the patient (up to 3 years, especially infants);
intractable temperature over 38 ° for more than 3 days;
unbearable headache, throbbing local headache;
the appearance of a rash on the trunk and limbs;
the appearance of a bacterial component of the discharge (yellowish and greenish mucus from the nose, sputum, severe sore throat), barking cough;
the appearance of severe weakness and pain in the chest when coughing;
elderly patients over 65 years of age;
persons with chronic bacterial foci (, sinusitis and others);
people with concomitant diseases (onco-, hematological patients, hepatic, renal pathology).

Complications

The common cold is one of the diseases in which complete recovery occurs in the vast majority of cases, but complications do occur. The most common is a prolonged cold, which means the presence of symptoms after two weeks.

Possible complications of a cold in adults:

The appearance of severe pain in one or both ears, hearing loss, fever indicates. Symptoms mean that the infection has moved from the nasal cavity to the ear cavity.
Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (, sinusitis, frontal sinusitis) is another complication of a cold. At the same time, a person experiences severe nasal congestion, a runny nose does not go away for a long time, but only worsens. The voice becomes nasal, pains appear at the site of the disease (in the forehead and bridge of the nose, on the left or right side of the nose).
For as a consequence of a cold, a cough that worsens at night is characteristic. 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 rales, hard breathing, as well as coarse bubbling wet rales appear.
Complications of the common cold include inflammation of the lymph nodes - lymphadenitis. The lymph nodes in the neck are most commonly affected.

Diagnostics

If you have or only suspect the development of a cold, you should not delay for a long time to seek advice from doctors such as a general practitioner. A doctor will usually diagnose a cold based on a description of the symptoms and findings during a physical examination.

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

Cold treatment at home

In fact, a healthy body itself is able to cope with the disease, so all the patient has to do is help his body cope with the disease. It is necessary to ensure bed rest, excluding serious physical exertion.

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

Bed and semi-bed rest. This is necessary for the body to accumulate strength to fight the infection, as well as to prevent a secondary infection from attaching to a person. It is also a preventive measure to prevent the spread of pathogenic microflora in places of frequent stay of the patient;
If going to work is inevitable, then you should beware of increased physical exertion, as this can adversely affect the activity of the heart and blood vessels;
Plentiful warm drink- green or black tea, herbal decoctions - helps to eliminate toxins from the body;
Balanced diet with an increase in the amount of vitamins, the rejection of alcohol, spicy, fatty, fried foods. The cooking option is also important - in order not to injure the sore throat, it is better to choose broths, soft food of moderate temperature, which will not irritate the mucous membrane;
You can not bring down 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 it is, and the faster the body will cope with the disease;
In case of severe nasal congestion and cough it is important to position your head higher during a night's rest, that is, sleep in a half-sitting position. With this position of the body, nasal mucus and coughing are much less annoying.

Medicines for treatment

On the pharmacy shelves 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 the state of health is normal - do not take antipyretic drugs, the heat destroys viruses and microbes. It is necessary to resort to antipyretic drugs for the treatment of colds only in cases where the temperature is above 38 ° C

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

Coldrex;
Theraflu;
Fervex;
Pharmacitron.

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

The peculiarity of taking vasoconstrictor drops in the nose: the course should not exceed 5-7 days, otherwise the drugs will cease to act, and the nasal mucosa will atrophy.

Antihistamines are drugs used in the treatment of 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. With a strong dry cough, apply: "Codelac", "Sinekod". For liquefaction of sputum - "Ascoril", "ACC" (ACC). To remove sputum from the respiratory tract - plantain syrup, Tussin.

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

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

Washing the nose for a cold

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

Gargling

For gargling with a cold at home, you can use:

Salt, soda solutions;
Breast fees prepared independently or purchased at a pharmacy;
propolis tincture;
Gargle with hydrogen peroxide. It must be diluted by taking 2 teaspoons in 50 ml of warm water. You need to use the remedy 3-5 times a day until you feel that it has become easier.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies for colds are almost always included in the treatment of respiratory diseases, due to their beneficial properties.

At the first symptoms, it is useful to prepare carrot juice for treatment and stir in it a gruel of 3-5 cloves of garlic. Take medicine for half a glass 3-4 times a day, an hour before meals for five days.
Foot baths. If the disease is accompanied without fever, then mustard can be added to the water. To do this, add one tablespoon of dry powder per 7 liters. Dip your feet in the water and hold until the water begins to cool. After that, dry them well and put woolen socks on your feet.
Mix 30 g sea buckthorn oil, 20 g of fresh marigold juice, 15 g of melted cocoa butter, 10 g of honey, 5 g of propolis. With a runny nose, moisten a cotton swab in this composition and insert it into the nose for 20 minutes.
Pour 1 teaspoon dry crushed dandelion roots 1 cup boiling water, insist in a sealed container in a boiling water bath for half an hour, cool, strain. Take in the same way as infusion for a cold.
The viburnum berry is able to have a unique therapeutic effect. To obtain a positive effect, a decoction can be made from the product, using a spoonful of berries for this in a glass of water. It is desirable to drink the resulting fruit drink in a warm form and with honey.
With a runny nose, instill 3-5 drops of aloe in each nostril 4-5 times a day, tilting the head back and massaging the wings of the nose after instillation.
Relieve sore throat and linden flowers will help get rid of cough. Linden tea: two teaspoons of lime blossom per cup of water.

How to protect yourself from a cold?

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

What can you do to avoid a cold?

Avoid crowded places where the risk of infection is much higher.
If possible, stay away from people with colds.
Avoid touching your nose or eyes after you have been in physical contact with someone who is sick.
Wash your hands thoroughly, especially when you have a cold.
Ventilate your room well.

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