Cold flu
With a cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract by viruses. The disease is usually harmless and lasts about a week. Often leads to colds in fall and winter. The causative viruses are highly contagious and spread by droplet infection (coughing, sneezing) from.
Viruses that can cause a cold
Rhinoviruses
Adenoviruses
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Parainfluenza virus
and other
Complaints to a taking cold
Nasal congestion, sneezing, watery secretion with an initial
Performance status, increased fatigue and listlessness
Mild fever and cough possibly through additional bronchitis
possibly a feeling of pressure in the ears
possibly head and neck and limb pain
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a common cold is due to the symptoms (runny nose, nasal obstruction, possibly a mild fever, etc.) provided. In general, it is not necessary to consult a doctor except for the occurrence of additional symptoms such as high fever, purulent nasal discharge, difficulty breathing. It can be a complication present, for example a bacterial superinfection, which can be treated with antibiotics.
TherapyGeneral measures
avoid physical rest, of cold, drafts
Increased fluid intake helps to liquefy the nasal secretions
possibly steam inhalation
Smoking irritates the mucous membranes and should be avoided
Paper towels to avoid throwing away immediately and wash hands after blowing your nose for a further spread
Prevention: regular visits to the sauna, hydrotherapy treatments can strengthen the immune system in older people, the annual flu vaccination is recommended.
Drugs
Nasenropfen: decongestant nose drops ease breathing. However, you should not be longer than 10 days are used.
Prognosis is usually harmless, but ...
It can also occur complications:
Sinus inflammation (sinusitis)
Eye inflammation
Middle ear infection (otitis media)
Sore throat (pharyngitis)
Bronchitis and pneumonia
