Note what to do in case of a cold: A viral rhinitis cannot be cured. Rather, the treatment is symptomatic, which means that the symptoms are alleviated without treating the cause of the cold. Consequently, the course of the disease cannot be stopped, only the severity of the form can be influenced with the help of individual drugs and so-called “home remedies”.
People suffering from a cold should take it easy on themselves, possibly even stay in bed and avoid cold. A high drinking quantity to compensate for the loss of fluid as well as to liquefy the secretion and moisten the mucous membranes should be ingested in case of a cold. To relieve coughs or sore throats, a large amount should also be drunk to moisten the throat.
Sage tea with honey, which has a calming effect on irritated structures, is also recommended. To combat fever and pain accompanying a cold, drugs such as acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), ibuprofen or paracetamol can be taken. A decongestant nasal spray can help to relieve a stuffy nose in the event of a cold, but should not be used for more than a week because of the risk of developing a dependency.
The herbal preparation Sinupret® can also be used for colds. It has an expectorant and soothing effect and is available as tablets, dragées or drops (Sinupret® forte or Sinupret® drops). Antibiotics have no effect in the case of a viral rhinitis, as these drugs can only combat bacteria and have no effect against viruses.
An exception is a superinfection with bacteria. If a rhinitis is present, the use of antibiotics to combat the pathogen makes sense. In the case of serious infections – especially in small children or those with a weakened immune system – additional drug therapies are sometimes available if the pathogen is known. Corona viruses can be fought with interferon-alpha, infections with respiratory syncytial viruses can be treated with ribavirin, although the effectiveness of this therapy is controversial.
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