Differences to pneumonia

In the classic case of pneumonia, high fever suddenly appears and the patients have a slimy cough. The mucus appears greenish to yellow. Furthermore, the respiratory rate is increased and the patients have the feeling that they can no longer breathe properly.

However, not every pneumonia with these typical symptoms occurs. In older people, for example, a sudden clouding of consciousness can be the only symptom of pneumonia. If the pneumonia is caused by so-called atypical bacteria, the course of the disease is rather gradual.

Patients have only a slight fever, a dry cough and headache and aching limbs. But they also have a feeling of breathlessness. Especially in this form, it can be difficult to distinguish between a cold and pneumonia.

Differences to an allergy

The typical thing about an allergy is the sudden onset of symptoms after contact with an allergen. The symptoms sometimes appear within seconds. This process is practically non-existent in a cold.

An allergic reaction is characterized by symptoms such as itching, rhinitis, or a contraction of the airways. Especially when a cold is present, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between them. If the rhinitis occurs at about the same time every year, an allergy is likely to be the cause.

If other cold symptoms are perceived in addition to the common cold, a cold is the more likely cause. Depending on the type of allergy, more specific symptoms such as hives, allergic conjunctivitis or various reactions on the skin can also occur. Typical cold symptoms such as fatigue, fever and muscle or headaches are less common in allergies.

The symptomatic treatment

Since a simple cold without complications usually goes away on its own and without consequences after 7-9 days, therapy is usually not necessary. In addition, in most cases the causes are viruses, so that treatment with antibiotics is ineffective. Only in the case of a so-called second or superinfection with bacteria with an existing viral infection, the administration of an antibiotic can prevent a more complicated and protracted course.

In the end, only the symptoms of a normal cold can be alleviated and suppressed by resorting to symptomatic therapy in individual areas: can provide relief for a blocked or runny nose.

The administration of painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can be used to reduce fever and pain,
Warm neck wraps and/or analgesic lozengesics can reduce sore throats and
An increased fluid intake
Decongestant nasal sprays and the
Inhalation of steam

In the case of a simple cold without complications, no specific therapy is usually necessary, as the symptoms usually disappear on their own after about a week. Only a symptomatic therapy can be used in this case to alleviate the symptoms somewhat and to support the recovery.

On the one hand, this includes physical protection (abstaining from sport and work) and abstaining from noxious substances such as nicotine and alcohol.
On the other hand it is important to pay attention to a balanced diet during the cold phase as well as to possibly take additional zinc in order to support the immune system against the viruses.
It is also advisable to drink plenty of fluids and inhale steam (chamomile or sage) to loosen mucus from the nasopharynx.
Lozenges can help against sore throats, fever and headaches can be relieved by analgesic lozengesics, and antipyretic and pain-relieving tablets such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. Hot throat compresses and a general sparing of the voice can also provide relief for throat symptoms.

As described above, only the symptoms of a cold can be relieved. The body must fight off the infection on its own.

Usually it takes 7 days until the cold has subsided. Homeopathic medicines for colds work very specifically and only for certain symptoms.It is recommended to consult an experienced homeopath or pharmacist. Homeopathic active ingredients are e.g. Aconitinum, Atropinum sulfuricum, Mercurius cyanatus, Belladonna or Nux vomica. As a rule, children can also be treated well with these remedies. Homeopathy and globules can certainly replace drugs like Aspirin Complex or Grippostad.