TREATMENT OF SYMPTOMS OF VIRAL INFECTION
Viral infections of the respiratory tract usually self-cure
In the cold and the flu (if its development is not even blocked by the vaccine) - a healthy, mature immune system fights itself after a few days (4-5 days). Although it must be admitted that in the case of influenza, in the majority of patients who have no post-typhoidal complications - a characteristic symptom: "feeling of breakdown" and strong weakness may persist for 2-3 weeks.
Why is the treatment of symptoms of a viral infection important?
Viral and throat viral infection causes very painful inflammation, and in the case of influenza viruses a very high fever. The so-called. symptomatic treatment aims to reduce pain, reduce fever and stop inflammation - and thus improve the comfort of the patient. Remember, however, that a very high flu fever threatens complications and even death, and chronic inflammation damages the epithelial lining of the nasal mucosa and throat - which weakens the physiological shields against further germs.
The goals of symptomatic treatment for common cold virus infection:
- reduction of inflammation and edema of the nasal and throat mucosa
- reduction of pain
- adjusting the body's thermostat (lowering the fever in flu)
- facilitating the development of a cystic secretion
- inhibition of the development of bacteria residing in the throat
Drugs used to achieve the above goals?
- anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs
- antipyretic drugs
- medicines that reduce swelling of the nasal mucosa
- antitussives - for a dry and tiring cough
- antiseptics and bactericides, including herbal preparations
- sometimes, if you have a cold - medications reduce swelling of the nasal mucosa
In addition, patients are advised to lie down in bed and abundant watering.
Cough in cold infection
Cough is a defensive reaction helpful in removing mucus-serous secretions and contained in it germs and solid particles from the respiratory tract. A cold is rare. In the course of influenza - the initial dry cough turns into a sense of "corking" of the airways. Influenza viruses have already gotten well into the epithelium of the mucous membrane and intensively multiply in it - causing destructive inflammation. This results in swelling of the mucous membrane, redness and profuse secretion, which despite the sore throat we need to spit out so that it does not interfere with breathing.
The principle of cough treatment
The principle of flu treatment is not to inhibit cough reflexes by medicines. However, a cough that is dry and particularly troublesome (eg at night) - supports pharmacological treatment. Usually, these are funds issued from a doctor's prescription - occasional medicines, thinning mucus and bactericidal secretions. Some of them - such as herbal remedies and herb syrups are available without a prescription and can be used in self-treatment.
Medicinal syrups in flu and cold
A medicinal syrup used in influenza should have several medicinal properties. First of all, it should dilute dense mucus secretion and facilitate the immobilized cilia of epithelial mucosa, its elimination, along with germs and other impurities. Secondly, it should be treated with an inflamed ("dry" fever) nasal and throat mucosa - a layer of soothing inflammation gel. It is best that this coating syrup also has bactericidal properties.
Treatment of cold
Qatar in cold-related viral infections is accompanied mainly by a cold. To limit the discomfort that it causes, we find dozens of non-prescription preparations in pharmacies. First read the recommendations carefully! But you also need to know that the effect of self-medication - for example, with drops or a non-prescription aerosol can be not only a beneficial reduction of nasal edema, which brings immediate relief. Many preparations reduce the flow of blood to the nose at the same time, thus impairing the nutrition of the mucosa. For this reason, the use of drops for more than 10 days (optimal period of use 3-5 days) may cause secondary, difficult to treat mucosal edema. Also remember to use a concentration appropriate for your age.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents
In cold infections of the respiratory tract - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic and analgesic drugs are used in the first place. These include: acetylsalicylic acid (so-called salicylates), paracetamol, ibuprofen, naproxen, etc. Salicylates and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs acting peripherally exert anti-pyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Such agents can be used by the majority of patients, including, for example, paracetamol and ibuprofen (in appropriate doses) - by children over 6 months of age.
oprac.red. Edward Ozga Michalski, MA
Literature:
1. Inflammation of the mucosa of the nose and throat in children - prof. dr hab. med Grażyna Niedzielska from the Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Phoniatrics and Audiology, Medical Academy in Lublin; Medycyna Rodzinna 8 (4/1999)
2. Throat inflammation in children - Dr n. Med. Teresa Oleniacz; Department of Audiology, Phoniatrics and Laryngology IP-CZD; Warsaw; Health Service No. 3-4 2001
3. The role of purulent streptococci in pharyngitis and tonsillitis, Danuta Dzierżanowska, Lek_Sandoz-2004 website
4. Apothecary counseling - Treatment of colds - Doc. dr hab. Jadwiga Leszczyńska - Gazeta Farmaceutyczna 2000.
5. Cold and its treatment - Prof. dr hab. Andrzej Danysz, MD Adam Kwiecienski; New drugs, 1996
6. Natural treatment of colds - Prof. dr hab. Andrzej Danysz; My health; 1998
7. Encyclopedia of Medicines of Practical Medicine - online
8. Pharmindex
9. How to avoid winter infection. Dr n. Med. Janusz Ciok - publication of lapharma.info
