How to treat the common cold at home: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Colds are very common. A visit to your health care provider’s office is often not needed, and colds often get better in 3 to 4 days.

A type of germ called a virus causes most colds. There are many types of viruses that can cause a cold. Depending on what virus you have, your symptoms may vary.

Common symptoms of a cold include:

• Fever (100°F [37.7°C] or higher) and chills
• Headache, sore muscles, and fatigue
• Cough
• Nasal symptoms, such as stuffiness, runny nose, yellow or green mucus, and sneezing
• Sore throat

Mild symptoms of COVID-19 may be similar to those of the common cold. Always check with your provider if you are at risk for COVID-19.

Treating your symptoms will not make your cold go away, but will help you feel better. Antibiotics are almost never needed to treat a common cold.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) help lower fever and relieve muscle aches.

• Do not use aspirin.
• Check the label for the proper dose.
• Call your provider if you need to take these medicines more than 4 times per day or for more than 2 or 3 days.

Over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medicines may help ease symptoms in adults and older children.

• They are not recommended for children under age 4. Talk to your provider before giving your child OTC cold medicine, which can have serious side effects.
• Coughing is your body’s way of getting mucus out of your lungs. So, only use medicine to suppress a cough when your cough becomes too painful.
• Throat lozenges or sprays for your sore throat.

Many cough and cold medicines you buy have more than one medicine inside. Read the labels carefully to make sure you do not take too much of any one medicine. If you take prescription medicines for another health problem, ask your provider which OTC cold medicines are safe for you.

Drink plenty of fluids, get enough sleep, and stay away from secondhand smoke.

Wheezing can be a common symptom of a cold if you have asthma.

• Use your rescue inhaler as prescribed if you are wheezing.
• See your provider immediately if it becomes hard to breathe.

Many home remedies are popular treatments for the common cold. These include vitamin C, zinc supplements, and echinacea.

Although not proven to be helpful, most home remedies are safe for most people.

• Some remedies may cause side effects or allergic reactions.
• Certain remedies may change the way other medicines work.
• Talk to your provider before trying any herbs and supplements.

Wash your hands often. This is the best way to stop the spread of germs.

To wash your hands correctly:

• Rub soap onto wet hands for 20 seconds. Make sure to get under your fingernails. Dry your hands with a clean paper towel and turn faucet off with paper towel.
• You can also use alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60 percent alcohol. Use a dime size amount and rub all over your hands until they are dry.

To further prevent colds:

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or into the crook of your elbow and not into the air.

Try treating your cold at home first. Call your provider right away, or go to the emergency room, if you have:

• Difficulty breathing
• Sudden chest pain or abdominal pain
• Sudden dizziness
• Acting strangely
• Severe vomiting that does not go away

Also contact your provider if:

• You start acting strangely
• Your symptoms get worse or do not improve after 7 to 10 days

Upper respiratory infection – home care; URI – home care

• Cold remedies

Cohen YZ. The common cold. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 58.

Lopez SMC, Williams JV. The common cold. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 407.

Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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Common infections and your child

It may seem like your child is always sick. That’s because young children are exposed to many new germs (viruses or bacteria) and haven’t yet built up enough defenses against them. Most young children will have 8 to 10 colds a year. The good news is that most of these infections are mild and won’t last very long. As children get older, they get sick less often. 

How do infections spread? 

Germs usually spread in one of the following ways:

• Direct contact with a person who has germs in the nose, mouth, eyes, stool or on the skin. Direct contact can include kissing, touching or holding hands with a person who has an illness.
• Indirect contact with an infected person, who may spread germs by touching or mouthing an object such as a toy, a doorknob, or a used tissue that is later touched by another person. The germs can cause infection when that person—who now has germs on their hands—touches their eyes, nose or mouth. Some germs can stay on countertops or toys for many hours.
• Droplets transmission is very common. Germs in the nose and throat can spread through droplets when the infected person coughs or sneezes without a tissue to cover the mouth and nose. Droplets travel through the air and can reach another person who is close by (less than a metre away). These germs don’t stay in the air and don’t travel over long distances.
• Airborne spread is much less common. This happens when germs stay in the air and are carried around on air currents. These germs can infect people who are not close to the infected person and may even be in a different room. Chickenpox and measles viruses spread this way. These germs are hard to control. The best way to protect your child is with vaccines against these infections.

An adult can also spread germs from one child to another by indirect contact without realizing it. For example, if you’re changing a diaper or helping your child use the toilet or wiping your child’s nose, you may come into contact with germs. If you don’t wash your hands well afterward, you can pass these germs to another child.

Common childhood infections

*When giving ibuprofen, be sure that your child drinks lots of fluid. Do not give ibuprofen if you are worried about dehydration. Do not give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months without first talking to your doctor.

How can I protect my child? 

• Washing your hands and your child’s hands is the best thing that you can do to stop the spread of germs. Wash your hands after:
  • Coughing or sneezing into your hands or wiping your nose.
  • Using the toilet or helping your child to use the toilet
  • Caring for someone with any kind of infection.
  • Cleaning up vomit or diarrhea. 
  • Wiping your child’s nose.
  • Changing a diaper.
  • Handling raw meat.
  • Handling pets or animals.
• When your child is old enough, teach them to wash their hands after wiping their nose or using the toilet. 
• Wash your hands before preparing or serving food and before eating, and teach your child to do the same.
• If your child has a cough or cold, cover their mouth and nose with tissues when they cough or sneeze. When they are old enough, teach them to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they sneeze or cough, to put the used tissue in a wastebasket right away, and to wash their hands after. Teach them to cough or sneeze into the curve of their  elbow if they don’t have a tissue.
• If your child attends child care, tell the caregiver about any symptoms and ask if your child should stay home that day. When both parents work outside the home, plan ahead by making other arrangements for someone to care for your child when they are sick.  
• Make sure your child has received all of the recommended vaccines.

What can I do if my child is sick? 

Do not give OTC medications to babies and children under 6 years old without first talking to your doctor.

When your child is sick, you want them to feel better. Many parents turn to over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines for help. There is no proof that these medications work. In fact, some of the side effects can make your child feel even worse. The only exceptions are drugs used to treat fever (such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen). 

However, medication is not always needed to reduce a child’s temperature. Talk to your doctor if your baby (under 6 months) has a fever. 

There is also a risk of giving your child too much medication. For example, giving acetaminophen for a fever on top of a cough syrup that already contains acetaminophen may result in an overdose of acetaminophen. Never use more than one product at the same time unless advised by your doctor.

When should I call my doctor? 

If your child shows any of the following signs:

• Fever and is less than 6 months old.
• Fever for more than 72 hours.
• Coughing that won’t go away (lasts more than a week) or is severe and causes choking or vomiting.
• Earache.
• Excessive sleepiness.
• Won’t stop crying or is very irritable all the time.
• Rapid or difficulty breathing.
• Diarrhea and is younger than 6 months old.
• Bloody or black stools.
• Vomiting for more than 4-6 hours.
• Dehydration (dry sticky mouth, no tears, no urine or fewer than 4 wet diapers in 24 hours in infants and fewer than 3 wet diapers in 24 hours in older children).

More information from the CPS

Reviewed by the following CPS committees

• Infectious Diseases and Immunization Committee
• Public Education Advisory Committee

Last updated: August 2018

Cough and runny nose: symptoms, causes and treatment

Content

• 1 Cough and runny nose: causes, symptoms and effective treatment
  • 1. 1 Cough
  • 1.2 Types of cough
  • 1.3 Causes of cough
  • 1.4 What symptoms accompany cough?
  • 1.5 How to treat a cough?
    • 1.5.1 Medications
    • 1.5.2 Non-traditional cough treatments
  • 0008
  • 1.7 Folk remedies for fighting cough
    • 1.7.1 Drinks and infusions
    • 1.7.2 Use of heating pads and compresses
    • 1.7.3 Dry cough and its treatment with folk methods

    9000 8

  • 1.8 Runny nose: what is it?
  • 1.9 Runny nose: symptoms and manifestations
  • 1.10 Treatment of runny nose
    • 1.10.1 Medicines
    • 1.10.2 Folk remedies
    • 1.10.3 Correct daily routine

    900 21

    • 1.11 How to prevent cough and runny nose?
      • 1.11.1 Maintain good hand hygiene
      • 1.11.2 Avoid close contact with people who are sick
      • 1.11.3 Get vaccinated
      • 1.11.4 Organize work and rest properly
    • 1.12 Related videos:
    • 1. 13 Question- answer:
      • • 1.13.0.1 What can cause cough and runny nose?
        • 1.13.0.2 When should I see a doctor for a cough and runny nose?
        • 1.13.0.3 What symptoms may accompany cough and runny nose?
        • 1.13.0.4 What is the most effective treatment for cough and runny nose?
        • 1.13.0.5 Can cough and runny nose lead to serious health complications?
        • 1.13.0.6 Can cough and runny nose be prevented?

  An article about the causes and treatment of cough and runny nose. Find out what symptoms are characteristic of these diseases and how to get rid of them quickly and effectively.

  One of the most common diseases that we face in everyday life is cough and runny nose. Although most of us do not pay much attention to them, they can be a sign of an onset of illness.

  Cough and runny nose can be manifestations of various diseases of the respiratory system, such as SARS, influenza, allergies or asthma. They can arise from a viral or bacterial infection, or from exposure to allergens or other irritants.

  Cough and runny nose are treated according to their cause. In most cases, the symptoms can be alleviated with medication, but there are also many home remedies to help manage them. To avoid serious complications, it is recommended to monitor your health and consult a doctor if necessary.

  Cough

  Cough is the body’s defense response to an irritant that can be caused by diseases of the lungs, throat or nose. Viruses, bacteria, dust, tobacco smoke, and other substances can cause a cough, which is often accompanied by a sore throat and general discomfort.

  Cough treatment depends on its cause. If the cough is caused by a cold, then it is enough to drink more fluids and take cough medicines. If the cough does not stop for more than a week, then you should consult a doctor and get a complex therapy that will help avoid serious complications.

  • What you need to know:
    • Cough is the body’s defense response to an irritant.
    • Cough treatment depends on its cause.
    • Dry cough with soreness in chest and throat.
    • Loose cough accompanied by the transmission of sputum to clear the lungs.

  Types of cough

  Cough is a protective reflex of the body that rids us of unnecessary and harmful substances. Due to various reasons, it can be of a different nature and duration. Consider some types of cough.

  • Dry cough: is characterized by the fact that no sputum is produced during the cough. This type of cough can be persistent and lead to chest pain.
  • Phlegm cough: accompanied by sputum production. It may be thin or thick and may vary in color depending on the cause of the cough.
  • Paroxysmal cough: comes on suddenly and can lead to breath holding and chest pain.
  • Allergic cough: occurs as a result of an allergic reaction of the body to some substance. It may be dry or wet.

  In any case, when a cough occurs, it is necessary to consult a doctor to determine its cause and prescribe appropriate treatment.

  Causes of cough

  Cough is a protective reaction of the body to various stimuli in the environment. When our airways become irritated, we begin to cough in order to clear them of foreign substances and microorganisms. However, coughing can also be a sign of certain illnesses such as colds, flu, bronchitis, pneumonia, and others.

  One of the causes of coughing is the presence of harmful substances in the surrounding atmosphere. High concentrations of dust, smoke, gases, chemicals and other wastes can cause severe irritation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and thus lead to coughing.

  Cough can be caused by various types of infections . From a common cold to dangerous pneumonia. All these infections lead to damage to the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, which causes a sharp cough.

  • Viral infection. It could be the flu, a cold, or another respiratory virus. At the same time, along with a cough, symptoms such as a runny nose, headache, and fever appear.
  • Bacterial infection. Its clear sign is a yellowish or greenish wet cough. Other symptoms may also include fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
  • Allergy. It can cause persistent cough and weakness. So that the allergy does not turn into a more serious disease, you need to see a doctor.

  Secondhand smoke is another cough cause that is becoming more and more common these days. The fact that a smoker loads his body with harmful substances so much that the status of a secondary smoker is attached to him is not a secret here. However, even if you have never smoked in your life, but live with a smoker, it is likely that you will often cough and have a runny nose.

  What are the symptoms associated with coughing?

  Cough itself is not an independent disease, it is only a symptom of the body to the intervention of an infection or other causes. All the sensations that you experience while coughing are symptoms of the disease that signal an existing problem.

  So, cough is accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • Sore throat . This symptom is observed mainly dry cough, as constant irritation in the throat can cause unpleasant and painful sensations;
  • Chest pain . When the cough becomes severe, the patient may experience discomfort and pain in the chest;
  • Sputum production . This is the most typical cough symptom, when the presence of sputum indicates problems with the lungs and bronchi;
  • Fatigue, weakness and lethargy . Coughing tires the body, so it is not surprising that fatigue and weakness can occur against the background of an incessant cough. In addition, the disease that caused the cough can further reduce the strength of the patient.

  If you experience a cough for more than 5-7 days, you should pay attention not only to the existing symptoms, but also to start treatment.

  How to treat a cough?

  Cough is a reaction to irritation of the respiratory tract, usually caused by viruses or bacteria. Treatment for a cough depends on its cause and may include both medication and non-traditional methods.

  Medications

  To treat a cough, a doctor may prescribe medications such as:

  • Mucolytics – reduce the viscosity of sputum and help it to pass from the lungs.
  • Expectorants – increase sputum production and improve its discharge.
  • Antibiotics – given for a bacterial infection of the respiratory tract that causes a cough.
  • Antihistamines – used to reduce swelling and irritation of the respiratory tract, which can reduce coughing.

  Alternative cough treatments

  Alternative cough treatments can help reduce symptoms and speed up recovery. These include:

  1. Hot drink – such as tea with honey and lemon, helps to reduce irritation of the respiratory tract and moisturizes the mucous membranes.
  2. Inhalation – allows you to speed up the removal of sputum from the lungs and reduce the formation of mucus in the throat.
  3. Humid indoor air – May help reduce irritation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
  4. Aromatherapy – Using essential oils can help reduce coughs and improve breathing.

  Conclusions: Advantages of medical treatment: Advantages of non-traditional methods:

  Fast relief of symptoms, effective in bacterial infections of the respiratory tract.

  Reduced symptoms, accelerated recovery, no side effects.

  Cough Medicines: Which Medicines Can Help Manage Your Symptoms

  Cough is one of the most common cold and flu symptoms and can last for days or nights and cause severe discomfort. But there are many medicines that can help manage a cough.

  Cough relievers

  • Mucolytics. These drugs help thin phlegm to pass out of the bronchi, thereby reducing irritation and alleviating coughing. One of the most popular mucolytics is acetylcysteine.
  • Surveyors. These drugs help to cough up phlegm, which relieves coughing and improves breathing. Guayafenesin-based preparations are commonly used to treat cough caused by respiratory diseases.

  Cough suppressants

  • Preparations based on codeine. Codeine is a narcotic analgesic that has a pronounced antitussive effect. However, its use requires close attention, as preparations containing codeine can be addictive and adversely affect health.

  Cough relievers

  • Bronchodilators. These medications help widen the airways, making it easier to breathe when you cough. Bronchodilators are often used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
  • Salt inhalation. Inhalations with a saline solution help soften breathing, moisten mucous membranes and relieve coughing. However, before using inhalers, you should consult your doctor.

  Folk remedies for coughs

  Drinks and infusions

  Tea with honey and lemon is one of the most popular folk remedies for coughs. It softens the throat and reduces inflammation. In addition, you can add ginger, which also helps fight coughs and strengthens the immune system.

  Gargling with an infusion of chamomile or eucalyptus can also help with a cough. They have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

  Applying a heating pad and compresses

  A chest heating pad is one of the oldest methods of cough control. It helps soften roughness and reduce breathing relief. You can add mint to it – this tool will help increase the effectiveness of the heating pad.

  Compresses with various oils, including camphor or vegetable oils, may also help. You need to make sure that the skin is not damaged and check that you are not allergic to a particular oil. They also help reduce coughing and expand the bronchi.

  Dry cough and its folk remedies

  Dry cough is often irritating and dilution can be applied when trying to manage it. To do this, you can use different oils, for example, juniper, or add honey.

  Another method of breathing exercises. It helps to relax the chest and improve breathing, as well as cope with a dry cough. Breathing exercises techniques can be found on the Internet, on various sites.

  Runny nose: what is it?

  The common cold is a common condition that affects the upper respiratory tract and causes unpleasant symptoms such as nasal congestion, mucus discharge, sneezing, itchy and irritated nose, as well as headache and fatigue.

  Treatment of the common cold may include the use of various drugs such as vasoconstrictor nasal drops, antihistamines, antibiotics, as well as the use of traditional treatments such as nasal irrigation kits and the use of heat.

  • The common cold is a common illness that causes unpleasant symptoms in the upper respiratory tract.
  • A runny nose can be caused by a variety of causes, including viruses, bacteria, allergens, and environmental irritants.
  • Treatment of the common cold may include the use of various drugs and conventional treatments.

  Runny nose: symptoms and manifestations

  Runny nose is a very unpleasant phenomenon, accompanied by difficulty breathing through the nose. A sick person has the following symptoms:

  • Violation of nasal breathing or its complete absence. And often there are patients who breathe only through the mouth, leading to additional stress on the throat and lungs.
  • Violent discharge of mucus from the nose, with difficulty in passing it.
  • Brown, green or yellow oozing mucus.
  • Cookies and itching in the nose, which constantly leads to sneezing.
  • Sensation of swollen nasal mucosa leading to visual and hearing impairment.

  If the symptoms of a runny nose do not improve after 3 days, it is necessary to consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Also, it is worth seeking medical attention if headaches and nausea, not related to the bow, also accompany a runny nose.

  Treatment of the common cold

  Medicines

  Treatment of the common cold with medicines is the most common method. For this, it is convenient to use drops and sprays containing vasoconstrictor and antihistamine substances. When choosing drugs, you should definitely pay attention to their composition, purpose and method of application.

  Folk remedies

  In addition, various folk remedies can be used to treat the common cold. One of the most effective is rinsing the nose with a saline solution. As a solution, you can use sea salt or ordinary table salt diluted in warm water. This helps to flush out mucus and eliminate congestion.

  The correct daily routine

  In addition to the use of drugs and folk remedies, it is important to establish the correct daily routine. It is necessary to ensure sufficient rest, strengthen the immune system, eat right and exercise. The body must receive the necessary vitamins and minerals to fight the infection that caused the runny nose.

  • A runny nose is usually not a dangerous disease, but it can cause a lot of inconvenience and discomfort.
  • Runny nose can be treated in various ways: with the help of medicines, folk remedies and the correct daily routine.
  • When choosing drugs, be sure to pay attention to their composition and method of application.
  • It is effective to use a saline solution for rinsing the nose.
  • It is important to set the right daily routine in order to strengthen the immune system.

  How to prevent cough and runny nose?

  Maintain good hand hygiene

  Clean hands can help prevent infection. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. It’s important to remember that germs can be on everyday items like doorknobs and keyboards, so avoid touching your face unless you’ve washed your hands.

  Avoid close contact with sick people

  If a colleague or friend has a cough or runny nose, avoid close contact with them. Avoid physical contact like handshakes, kisses and hugs. Also, do not share everyday items such as drinking glasses and cutlery.

  Get vaccinated

  Vaccinations can protect you from certain infectious diseases that can lead to coughs and runny noses. Regularly update your vaccination certificate to be protected from dangerous diseases in accordance with the recommendations of doctors. Which vary significantly depending on the country of residence.

  Organize work and rest properly

  Fatigue and stress can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of disease. Therefore, it is important to organize the correct daily routine with sufficient time for sleep and exercise. It is also important to provide your body with enough vitamins and minerals, which can boost your immune system and help fight infection.

  Basic ways to prevent cough and runny nose Prevention method Benefits

  Wash your hands regularly with soap and water	Reduces the number of germs on your hands, which can prevent the spread of infection
  Avoid close contact with sick people	Helps prevent transmission of infection from sick to healthy people
  Vaccination ki	Can be shortened risk of disease and complications
  Organize your work and leisure properly	A healthy lifestyle can strengthen your immune system and make you less vulnerable to infections

  Related videos:

  Q&A:

  What can cause cough and runny nose?

  Cough and runny nose can be caused by a variety of things, including viruses, bacteria, allergens, cold air, respiratory tract infections, and other factors.

  When should I see a doctor for cough and runny nose?

  If cough and runny nose persist for more than a week, are accompanied by severe chest pain, high fever, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms, seek medical attention.

  What symptoms can accompany cough and runny nose?

  Cough and runny nose may be accompanied by headache, weakness, fatigue, muscle soreness, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms.

  What is the most effective treatment for cough and runny nose?

  Depending on the cause of the cough and runny nose, treatment with viral or antibacterial drugs, antihistamines, cough medicines, inhalations, therapeutic massage, and other methods may be required. However, the best approach is to prevent illness by using personal protective equipment such as masks, hand and surface disinfectants.

  Can a cough and runny nose lead to serious health complications?

  Yes, coughs and runny noses can cause complications, especially in people with weakened immune systems and in children. Complications may include pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, and other respiratory problems.

  Can cough and runny nose be prevented?

  Yes, there are several ways that can help prevent coughs and runny noses, including strengthening the immune system, avoiding contact with infected people, practicing hand hygiene, getting vaccinated against infections and allergies, reducing stress, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

  reasons, how to cure quickly, whether to see a doctor

  We are accustomed to associate colds with fever. But sometimes a person has all the signs of SARS, and the body temperature remains normal. Because of this, it seems that the condition is not serious, and you can ignore it. Let’s talk about whether it is necessary to treat a cold without fever, and when to see a doctor.

  Why there is no temperature during a cold

  The temperature rises when substances called pyrogens accumulate in the body. Pyrogens are infectious – they include the toxins of viruses and metabolic products of microorganisms. There are also non-infectious pyrogens – these are substances that enter the body from the environment or arise during inflammation or allergies. When pyrogens interact with cells of the immune system, they provoke the production of secondary pyrogens – cytokines. They act on the thermoregulatory center in the brain and increase body temperature. The more pyrogens, the higher the temperature, and vice versa. The amount of these substances in the blood depends on the type of pathogen and the response of the immune system.

  Symptoms of a viral infection usually appear 1 to 3 days after infection. SARS can occur with subfebrile fever – up to 37.2ºС, or no temperature at all ¹ . In this case, other symptoms of a cold appear: headache, muscle pain, runny nose and nasal congestion, sore throat, cough and fatigue ² . These signs usually resolve within 4–10 days, although the cough may persist for 14 days or longer ³ .

  The absence of temperature is usually associated with the reaction of the immune system. This happens if the pathogen is non-aggressive, and the body fights it with milder methods. As a result, inflammation-controlling substances, including pyrogens, are produced in small amounts and do not affect body temperature. The temperature will not rise if a person has already suffered a similar disease, and antibodies to the infectious agent remain in the body.

  If the patient is already taking drugs that can suppress the temperature, it may also not rise. These include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, that is, NSAIDs.

  What is the danger of a cold without fever

  It is believed that a cold without fever does not require treatment. This is not so, because dangerous complications do not develop due to fever, but under the action of the infectious agent on internal organs and systems. At the same time, it is easy to miss the worsening of the condition, since many people treat the disease without fever carelessly – they carry it on their feet and do not take medicine.

  Possible complications ⁴ :

  ● vascular pathology – increased blood pressure, disruption of the kidneys;

  ● exacerbation of bronchial asthma;

  ● otitis media;

  ● sinusitis ⁵ ;

  ● increased blood clotting;

  ● thrombosis – blockage of blood vessels by a thrombus;

  ● vasculitis – inflammation of blood vessels;

  ● gastroenterocolitis – inflammation of the stomach and intestines;

  ● encephalitis – inflammation of the brain;

  ● meningitis – inflammation of the membranes of the brain;

  ● myocarditis – inflammation of the muscular membrane of the heart;

  ● cytokine storm – a sharp increase in the concentration of inflammatory substances in the blood, which leads to death.

  A cold without fever can trigger an infectious process that has been in the body for a long time, but did not manifest itself in any way – for example, when carrying Staphylococcus aureus ⁶ .

  When to see a doctor

  You should definitely see a doctor if:

  ● symptoms unusual for a cold, such as a rash, have joined;

  ● Symptoms of the disease persist for more than 10 days.

  ● sick person who has a high risk of developing complications. These include pregnant women, those with diabetes, asthma and other chronic illnesses, and people over 65 years of age ⁷ .

  Uncomplicated colds can be treated at home.

  How to treat a cold without fever

  The treatment of a cold begins with the replenishment of fluid in the body. The patient needs to drink 20–40 ml/kg of body weight per day. Not only water is considered, but also tea, unsweetened compote, fruit drink. Drinking should be warm – this helps to reduce intoxication and speed up recovery.

  90% of colds are caused by viruses and only 10% by bacteria ⁸ . Therefore, antiviral drugs and drugs that relieve symptoms are used for treatment ⁹ .

  Despite the absence of fever, it is important to start taking antiviral drugs at the first symptoms of SARS. These drugs will help eliminate the cause of the disease and speed up recovery. One of the examples of modern antiviral drugs is Nobasit ^® Forte with the active ingredient enisamia iodide. ¹⁰
  Nobasite ^® Forte reduces the acute clinical manifestations of viral intoxication and helps to reduce the duration of the disease. ¹⁰
  Research on the basis of the Research Institute of Influenza. A.A. Smorodintseva showed that the use of enisamium iodide reduces the severity of ARVI manifestations (headache, sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, etc.), and also reduces the duration of the disease by 24 hours. ¹¹

  Medicines with antiviral effect ¹² :

  ● M2 channel blockers. Interfere with viral replication by damaging the viral protein in infected cells. However, these drugs are not always effective because most viruses have developed resistance to these drugs.

  ● Neuraminidase inhibitors. They block one of the main enzymes of the virus responsible for its replication (reproduction). The drug disrupts the ability of viruses to penetrate into healthy cells and stops the release of virions from infected ones.

  ● Hemagglutinin inhibitors. Hemagglutinin is a protein on the surface of the virus. Blocking it prevents the virus from entering the cells of the body, making infection impossible.

  ● Leukocyte interferons. Preformed antiviral proteins that act like natural immune agents but become ineffective with prolonged use and may cause side effects.

  ● Interferon inductors. Stimulate the production of the body’s own interferon, enhancing immunity and reducing effectiveness with long-term use;

  Antibacterial therapy is connected only if the bacterial nature of the disease is proven or a bacterial infection has joined the viral infection.

  Signs of a bacterial infection:

  ● procalcitonin index above 0.5 ng/ml;

  ● more than 10*109 leukocytesU/l;

  ● Pus in sputum or nasal mucus.

  Broad-spectrum antibiotics are also prescribed if tests have not been performed, but symptoms increase or persist on days 5-7.

  For a runny nose, topical moisturizers are used. These include saline solutions – isotonic if the nose is running, or hypertonic – more salty when the nose is blocked. You can also rinse the nose with warm isotonic sodium chloride solution. This helps to wash pathogens from the nasal mucosa, moisturize the nasal mucosa and remove excess mucus.

  To relieve symptoms, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, i.e. NSAIDs ¹³ , can be used. They are used for colds without fever as a remedy for pain, inflammation and swelling ¹⁴ .

  Preventive measures

  The best prevention is to prevent the pathogen from entering the body ¹⁵ :

  ● wash hands with soap;

  ● use disposable wipes when sneezing and coughing;

  ● Use disposable medical masks and respirators in places where there are a lot of people;

  ● irrigate the nasal mucosa with an isotonic sodium chloride solution;

  ● Clean objects and surfaces used by a sick or potentially infectious person with disinfectants ¹⁶ .

  Additional prevention of the common cold is the use of immunomodulatory drugs during the period of rising incidence, that is, from October to March ¹⁷ . Only substances that act as interferon inducers are suitable for this. Their effectiveness does not decrease with long-term use, unlike leukocyte interferons.

  Briefly about the main

  ➢ A cold can occur without fever – it depends on the immune response. Even the temperature will not rise if the patient is already taking drugs that reduce the temperature – antibiotics, NSAIDs and others.

  ➢ A cold without fever is dangerous, because it is easy to miss the worsening of the condition.

  ➢ It is best to see a doctor if symptoms get worse or do not go away after 10 days, or if you are at high risk of cold and flu complications.

  ➢ A cold without fever is treated with symptomatic agents and antiviral drugs. Antibiotics are connected only with the specified bacterial nature of the disease or the addition of a bacterial infection.

  ➢ To prevent the disease, you must follow the rules of personal hygiene, use disposable masks and respirators, disinfect objects and surfaces that a potentially sick person has touched, and irrigate the nasal mucosa with isotonic sodium chloride solution.

  ---

  ¹ Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19): Interim guidelines.

  ² Infectious diseases: National guidelines / Ed. N.D. Yushchuk, Yu.Ya. Vengerov. M.: GEOTAR-Media, 2009.

  ³ https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-gb/home/infections/respiratory-viruses/common-cold

  ⁴ Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19)): Temporary guidelines.

  ⁵ https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-gb/home/infections/respiratory-viruses/common-cold

  ⁶ Salivonchik E. I., Salivonchik D.P. Modern aspects of the treatment of acute respiratory infections of the upper respiratory tract during COVID-19 “Otorhinolaryngology. Eastern Europe” 2021;1(11):93-106.

  ⁷ https://www.cdc.gov/features/rhinoviruses/

  ⁸ Salivonchik E.I., Salivonchik D.P. Modern aspects of the treatment of acute respiratory infections of the upper respiratory tract during COVID-19 “Otorhinolaryngology. Eastern Europe” 2021;1(11):93-106.

  ⁹ Fashner J, Ericson K, Werner S. Treatment of the common cold in children and adults. Am Fam Physician. 2012 Jul 15;86(2):153-9.

  ¹⁰ Instructions for medical use of the drug Nobasit ^® Forte LP-006416

  ¹¹ Lioznov D.A., Karnaukhova E.Yu., Zubkova T.G., Shakhlanskaya E.V., Evaluation of the effectiveness of the ARVI treatment regimen, including etiotropic (enisamia iodide) and symptomatic therapy // Therapeutic archive No.