Introduction
A cold is usually one thing: annoying. Nothing more ardent than to end the cold as quickly as possible is usually the wish of the sick person. However, it is not primarily the pathogens themselves that can be eliminated, but primarily the symptoms that can be treated, which ensures that one does not feel so weak and listless.
The common cold is usually caused by viral pathogens. The body’s own immune system has to fight and eliminate these viruses. The best way to support the body in this process is to take care of yourself physically and try to reduce the stress.
How long does a cold usually last?
It is difficult to give a generally valid answer to this question. In the vernacular the saying “Three days the illness comes, three days the illness stays, three days the illness goes” still prevails. This statement can be used as a very rough guideline.
In reality, however, the duration of the illness depends on many factors – but mainly on the pathogen that causes the cold and the patient’s immune system – i.e. the extent to which his immune system can cope with illness. Problems in this matter are most likely to arise in young children, the elderly and people with congenital or acquired immune deficiencies. As a rule, however, the main symptoms of a cold, such as fatigue and exhaustion and possibly fever, should disappear after seven to ten days. More unspecific symptoms, such as coughing or rhinitis, can persist for a longer period of time.
These drugs shorten the cold
From a medical point of view, there are only a few drugs that really shorten the duration of a cold. Rather, it is the symptoms that can be treated with drugs or home remedies. Typically, sore throats, coughs, sinus congestion, headaches and aching limbs are symptoms of a cold.
Mucolytic products such as acetylcysteine (trade name: ACC®) can be used to relieve the cough. However, inhaling the product is much simpler, as it liquefies the usually tough mucus with the help of water vapour and makes it easier to cough it up. Learn more about this under: Inhalation for a cold Anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen or Aspirin® can be used to relieve throat and headaches.
If there is no inflammation besides the pain, paracetamol can also be used. With all painkillers, however, it should always be borne in mind that, if consumed regularly, they can promote the development of gastrointestinal injuries and put strain on the kidneys and liver. Clogged sinuses can be treated either with nasal sprays or with a so-called nasal douche.
Nasal sprays cause the swelling of the mucous membrane to subside so that the secretion from the sinuses can drain more easily. A nasal douche helps to wash out the secretion, so it is best to use both in combination. Aspirin®, which contains acetylsalicylic acid as the active ingredient, is known in most people’s minds primarily as a painkiller.
However, it is also frequently used to dilute the blood in cases of known coronary heart disease. In addition, Aspirin® also has an anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effect. All these effects are based on the mechanism of action of acetylsalicylic acid: the prevention of the formation of so-called inflammatory mediators.
Aspirin® is available in pharmacies as a combined preparation to relieve the symptoms of a cold, so that the sufferer feels more comfortable. As has probably often been said, antibiotics are only effective if the underlying pathogen is a bacterium. Only bacteria can be fought by antibiotics.
However, viruses are often the cause of banal colds. In general, for a mild illness such as a cold, one tries to avoid medication as much as possible. Only in immunocompromised patients, old and small children can medication be indicated. If even this is not enough to control the common cold, a closer examination of the blood can provide information as to whether the underlying pathogen is a bacterium. Only then is the administration of antibiotics justified in case of a cold.