Acute viral respiratory infections (SARS or the common cold) are very common throughout the world. Millions of people suffer from them every year. According to statistics, about 20% of adults and 10% of children fall ill with the flu alone every year. The overall prevalence of SARS is much higher.
On average, children have about 6-8 colds, and adults have 2-4 colds a year.
Causes of pathology
As a rule, infection occurs through contact with a sick person. The virus is transmitted by airborne droplets. At the same time, the susceptibility of the body of many people is quite high. Viruses that provoke colds have the ability to penetrate the respiratory system and, accumulating in the tract, spread through the tissues. The entry of pathogens into cells and the release of their metabolic products provokes an inflammatory reaction. Intoxication syndrome is noted as a local reaction of the body, catarrh of the respiratory tract is observed locally. Viruses in large numbers suppress the immuneanswer. In this regard, with colds, the risk of developing complications is high. As a rule, the consequences are due to the addition of a bacterial lesion of the ENT organs and the respiratory system.
In particular, pneumonia, phlebitis, otitis and others may develop. The effect that cold medicines have is aimed at activating the body's nonspecific defenses, eliminating pathogens. As a result of properly selected measures, disturbed functions and structures are restored, recovery begins.
Main signs of disease
Intoxication syndrome is considered the main manifestation accompanying SARS. This symptom occurs as a result of the toxic effect of the decay products of affected cells and viruses. Due to its microscopic size, the pathogen easily penetrates the nervous system, has a cytopathic effect there. Intoxication syndrome is most pronounced with influenza.
Uncomplicated types of colds are characterized by a benign course. They are also accompanied by intoxication, but this syndrome is not so pronounced. In this case, there is a lesion predominantly of the upper respiratory tract. Localization depends on the type of pathogen. So, rhinovirus infection is manifested by a runny nose (mainly), parainfluenza - damage to the larynx, respiratory syncytial infection - a disease of the bronchi.
What medicine to take for a cold
Before talking about drugs that are prescribedin the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, it should be noted that before taking any medication, you should visit a doctor. It is highly recommended not to engage in self-selection of funds. Among the many medicines, it is difficult to choose the best cold medicine.
All drugs are divided into several categories.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Aspirin and its derivatives are considered the most popular in this group. At the same time, experts remind that colds are characterized, among other things, by damage to the capillaries. The antiplatelet effect of acetylsalicylic acid during therapy can provoke complications. Relatively safe products containing paracetamol. These cold medicines are prescribed for both adults and children. Medicines have a predominantly analgesic and antipyretic effect. The drug "Paracetamol" is able to block the activity of inflammatory mediators.
Combined funds
Such cold medicines have recently become more and more popular. They contain several components, including paracetamol. In addition, many of them contain ascorbic acid, which prevents the release of histamine, stimulates the formation of interferon and antibodies, and activates phagocytosis. Thanks to the action of these medicines, the body's nonspecific resistance to infections increases. Caffeine is another ingredient that some combination cold medicines contain. It amplifiesaction of paracetamol, has a general stimulating and vasoconstrictive effect. On the basis of ARVI, an inflammatory process occurs, in the development of which histamine is involved. In this regard, agents are often prescribed that contain components that block the activity of this mediator.
Among these drugs "Pheniramine maleate", for example. Due to the action of antihistamine components, swelling of the nasal mucosa decreases, breathing is facilitated, and lacrimation decreases. Adrenomimetics have a pronounced vasoconstrictive effect (Phenylephrine, for example). Due to their activity, swelling of the bronchial mucosa decreases. Among the combined NSAIDs, specialists pay special attention to such a medication as Amizon. This remedy, in addition to a pronounced analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effect, has interferonogenic activity.
Rhinitis medications
Rhinitis almost always accompanies colds. It is very important to choose the right therapy for this. Basically, the group of medicines for the common cold is represented by agents that stimulate alpha-adrenergic receptors. Among these drugs are "Oxymetazoline", "Nafazolin" and others. When applied topically, medications reduce hyperemia and swelling of the nasal mucosa, reduce the volume of secreted mucus, thereby greatly facilitating breathing. In addition, products based on essential oils of cedar, mint, and eucalyptus are popular for eliminating the common cold. Such drugs are produced in different dosage forms.
Cough medicines
To facilitate the separation of sputum, which is formed in the bronchi during the development of colds, expectorants are prescribed. They differ according to the mechanism of action. Drugs with reflex activity, for example, irritate the gastric receptors, as a result of which the center in the vagus nerve of the medulla oblongata is excited. Thanks to this action, the secretion of the bronchial glands increases, sputum liquefies, and the peristalsis of the respiratory muscles increases.
