When do you need an antibiotic? | Colds caused by bacteria

When do you need an antibiotic?

An antibiotic may be indicated if a severe cold caused by bacteria is present. Often colds disappear by themselves after one to two weeks. In some cases, however, they lead to complications such as laryngitis or bronchitis.

At the latest when such a complication occurs, treatment with a suitable antibiotic is indicated. Occasionally, a bacterial superinfection is caused by viruses during a cold. If both viruses and bacteria are involved in an inflammation, the use of an antibiotic may also be indicated. You can find more detailed information here: When do I need antibiotics for a cold?

These home remedies can help

Indeed, household remedies play an important role in the treatment of colds. Hot drinks are effective against sore throats. Peppermint tea or ginger tea, for example with lemon juice and honey, sage tea, camomile tea and many others are well suited.

Inhalation of steam helps very well to improve the nasal repletion and dissolve secretions. Hot water with salt, sage or chamomile tea or water with a few drops of essential oil such as peppermint oil or tea tree oil are suitable for this purpose. Peppermint oil can also be used to relieve headaches.

To do this, you can massage one or two drops into the temples with your fingers. Onions also provide pleasant vapors. You can put a sliced onion on the bedside table and inhale the vapors.

This relieves the sniffles. Another popular household remedy for colds caused by bacteria are warm neck wraps. To do this, you can moisten a cloth with warm tea and place it around your neck for about thirty to forty-five minutes.

You can find more household remedies under: Home remedies for a coldThere are no homeopathic remedies that eliminate bacteria as the cause of a cold. However, there are some homeopathic globules that are supposed to relieve the symptoms of a cold. For example, Aconitum, Allium cepa, Dulcamara and Gelsemium are used.