A cold

duration

The well-known saying “A cold comes three days, stays three days and goes three days.” can help to estimate the duration of a flu-like infection. Normally, the symptoms last for about seven to ten days and slowly subside day by day. If the symptoms increase and worsen, a bacterial rhinosinusitis can be assumed, in which case a doctor should be consulted in any case.

Diagnosis and doctor consultation

The doctor will ask you some questions about your symptoms and the course of your illness. Most of the time, you can diagnose it based on your description. He will then examine you physically, if necessary, to rule out pneumonia or tonsillitis, for example. Only in rare cases will he carry out further examinations such as a chest x-ray.

Normally, a cold is a harmless illness, but there are a few reasons to consult a doctor:

• The cold doesn’t get better in a week or two, but gets progressively worse.
• The cold lasts longer than three months.
• The fever is very high (over 40°) and cannot be adequately controlled with antipyretics.
• The fever lasts more than four to five days.
• If breathing difficulties such as shortness of breath are noticed.
• Once neck stiffness occurs.
• In children under the age of six months or in the case of febrile seizures.
• If blood appears when coughing.
• If other symptoms such as rash, vomiting or, for example, diarrhea occur.

therapy

In the treatment of the common cold, the focus is on alleviating the symptoms . Since the banal cold is mostly caused by viruses, antibiotics are not effective. Physical rest, a balanced diet and drinking enough are still important aspects of treatment.

If you still want to get rid of a cold quickly, there are a few medicines available:

• Painkillers (ibuprofen, aspirin, paracetamol) can help against headaches and body aches. In addition, they have an anti-inflammatory effect.
• Nasal rinsing with saline solution: As a well-known home remedy for colds, saline solution is still a good way to get rid of a cold.
• Inhalation of hot vapors: An inhalation can help to breathe deeply and loosen deep-seated secretions. Detailed instructions can be found under the article Bronchitis.
• Decongestants: Decongestant sprays and systemic drugs (pseudoephedrine) restore airflow to the nose and paranasal sinuses.
• There are some herbal remedies available that are known to be effective: among others, Sinupret (cowslip, yellow gentian, black elderberry, sorrel, verbena) and preparations made from eucalyptus extracts have proven to be helpful in therapy.

For coughs and a dry throat, over-the-counter lozenges help keep the throat moist. In addition, lozenges with disinfecting and anesthetic ingredients against sore throats are available in the pharmacy.

cold during pregnancy

Pregnant women are much more likely to catch a cold. Normally, it poses no danger to either the mother or the unborn child. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the classic cold medications are not suitable for pregnant women: decongestants such as pseudoephedrine and cough suppressants such as codeine should be avoided. A medical consultation when taking medication is highly recommended. A doctor should also be consulted if you have a high fever and are feeling very unwell.

common cold in children

Since children’s immune systems are not yet fully developed, they are more likely to suffer from influenza infections. Here, too, cough, runny nose and fatigue are the classic symptoms from which the little patients suffer. During therapy, care should be taken to avoid physical strain and drink enough. In the case of severe symptoms, inhalations (e.g. using a nebulizer), painkillers and nasal sprays can have a beneficial effect. If the child is playing, has an appetite and is otherwise normal, you can initially refrain from lowering the fever. Fever in children should only be reduced with paracetamol or ibuprofen if the patient is suffering greatly or if the temperature is very high above 40°C. However, if your child no longer drinks enough or, for example, shows a change in personality, you should urgently go to a doctor.

Caution: Children and adolescents under the age of 18 should not take medicines containing aspirin without a doctor’s recommendation due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome. Reye’s syndrome is a life-threatening disease that primarily affects the brain and liver and can lead to confusional states, seizures and even coma.

How can Med-Healths help?

With the Med-Healths app you can contact a doctor and talk to him in detail about your symptoms. He can help you classify your symptoms and make the right diagnosis. They can also prescribe medication to help treat the common cold. There is also the possibility that he will issue you with a certificate of incapacity for work. In the case of a serious illness or other aspects, he can refer you to a suitable specialist.