Weight loss is a journey full of challenges, twists and turns and moments of triumph. For many people, it is not only...
Categories
Search in blog
Blog categories
-
Health (14)
click
- Healthy Articles (3)
- Vitamins & Minerals (3)
- Joints and bones (2)
- Jak poprawić odporność (4) click
- Jak leczyć przeziębienie, grypę i inne infekcje wirusowe (5)
- Zdrowy Sen: Skuteczne Sposoby na Szybkie Zasypianie (1)
- Leczenie Dolegliwości Żołądkowo-Jelitowych (6)
- Zdrowie oczu - Jak dbać o wzrok? (1)
- Zdrowie Serca (1)
Latest posts
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine (colon),...
Atopic diseases, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis, are a significant health problem,...
In the search for natural methods to cleanse the body and support its functions, more and more people are turning...
In today's busy world, stress has become an integral companion in life for many people. From small daily anxieties to...
Popular posts
Featured posts
Archived posts
Top authors
-
mgr farm. z Apteki Zdrowie Poznań 29 Posts View posts
-
Fighting the common cold: effective treatment and prevention strategies
The common cold is a common illness that affects many people every winter. It is caused by infection with cold viruses, most commonly rhinoviruses. Although the common cold is usually not serious, it can significantly affect daily functioning. So it's worth knowing how to deal with it, both in terms of home remedies, pharmacy supplements and prevention.
Cold viruses:
The common cold is caused by various types of viruses, the most common of which are rhinoviruses. They are transmitted by the droplet route, that is, through contact with infected droplets excreted when an infected person sneezes or coughs. These viruses attack the upper respiratory tract, causing symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat and general weakness of the body. Our knowledge of the mechanisms that generate cold symptoms is still relatively limited. However, recent discoveries in the field of molecular biology give us a better understanding of why cold viruses cause such characteristic symptoms as fever, cough and runny nose.
Cold symptoms:
- Runny
- and blocked nose: Viruses cause irritation of the nasal mucosa, leading to overproduction of mucus. Cough: A
- dry or wet cough may be one of the symptoms.
- Sore throat : A
- reaction to irritation of the mucous membrane of the throat by viruses.
- General weakness: A cold can cause fatigue and weakness in the body.
Methods of treating a cold at home:
- Inhalations:
- Steam from hot water can help ease breathing, and the addition of essential oils such as eucalyptus can relieve symptoms.
- Herbal teas :
- Herbal infusions with honey and lemon can soothe the throat and help rehydrate the body.
- Forehead compresses: Applying warm compresses to the forehead can help relieve headaches and lower fevers. Gargar:
- Gargle with saline or special gargle liquids can help relieve a sore throat.
The role of pharmacy supplements in treating the common cold:
Pharmacy supplements can supplement cold treatment. Vitamin C, zinc and echinacea are popular supplements that are designed to support the immune system. However, it's worth remembering that their effectiveness in preventing colds is often questioned, and you should always consult your doctor before starting regular use.
Vitamin C
It is known for its antioxidant and immune-boosting properties. You can consume it in the form of supplements or natural sources, such as citrus fruits, peppers or berries.
Zinc
Zinc plays a role in the functioning of the immune system. Zinc supplements can help shorten the duration of a cold.
Echinacea
This is a plant that is credited with immune system-boosting properties. Some people use echinacea to relieve cold symptoms.
Probiotics
Healthy bacterial flora in the gut can help strengthen the immune system. Probiotics, which contain good bacteria, can be beneficial.
D3 (vitamin D)
Vitamin D plays a role in immune system function. It can be especially useful during the winter when sun exposure is limited.
Garlic
Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties. You can consume it in the form of supplements or include it in your diet.
Omega-3 acid
Omega-3 acids, present in oily fish, flaxseed oil or walnuts, have a beneficial effect on the immune system.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
Has antioxidant properties and can help relieve symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections.
How to prevent a cold:
Hand hygiene: Regular hand washing is one of the most important ways to prevent colds. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Avoiding contact with sick people: Try to avoid contact with people who are showing symptoms of colds Do You Have to Go to the Doctor:
Vaccinations: For some types of viruses, vaccination can help prevent infection.
Healthy lifestyle: Regular physical activity, a healthy diet and enough sleep support immunity.
Whether to use antibiotics:
Antibiotics are not effective in treating the common cold because they are designed to fight bacteria, not viruses.
In most cases, a cold can be treated at home. However, there are situations in which you should consult a doctor, such as:
- Symptoms lasting longer than usual.
- Increase or persistence of high fever.
- Deterioration of health
In summary, a cold is a viral infection that is worth treating mainly with home remedies such as rest, hydration, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. It is also important to take precautions to avoid infection and support your immunity through a healthy lifestyle. Antibiotics are not recommended unless there is a concurrent bacterial infection. It is always a good idea to consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
Bibliography:
- Eccles, R. (2005). Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 5(11), 718-725.
- Karsch-Völk, M., Barrett, B., & Kiefer, D. (2014). Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold. JAMA, 312(15), 1531-1532.
- Hemilä, H. (2017). Zinc lozenges and the common cold: a meta-analysis comparing zinc acetate and zinc gluconate, and the role of zinc dosage. JRSM Open, 8(5), 2054270417694291.
- Turner, R. B., Bauer, R., Woelkart, K., Hulsey, T. C., & Gangemi, J. D. (2005). An evaluation of Echinacea angustifolia in experimental rhinovirus infections. New England Journal of Medicine, 353(4), 341-348.
- Simasek, M., & Blandino, D. A. (2007). Treatment of the common cold. American Family Physician, 75(4), 515-520.
- Marshall, S., Radecki, S., & Wyller, T. (2001). Cold remedies: New research on vitamin C, echinacea, zinc, and garlic. Alternative & Complementary Therapies, 7(4), 193-199.