Perhaps in the world there is not a single person who does not come across a cold. She cunningly sneaks up with inaudible steps and often takes us by surprise. No, this tricky disease does not have any serious complications, but he is quite capable of spoiling his mood and creating discomfort. And in our organizer for tomorrow a million cases are recorded, which cannot be transferred in any way. It would seem a hopeless situation. What to do in this case? The answer is simple: you need to take a powder for colds and flu.
However, you should immediately make a reservation: this is a symptomatic treatment. That is, any powder for colds and flu does not eliminate the cause of the disease. He only fights the symptoms, alleviating the patient's condition.
Such a remedy for influenza is simply necessary in cases where an important meeting, exam or any other event is ahead, there is no way to miss it. But after adequate treatment is still necessary. At least for at least a couple of days you need to provide yourself with bed rest.
When to take powders?
As soon as you feel the first signs of a cold or flu. For example, such:
- Fever or chills.
- General weakness, fatigue.
- Runny or stuffy nose.
- Pain and heaviness in the muscles.
- Sore throat, dry cough.
By the way, it is better to use any powdery remedy for the treatment of the common cold. Why? Yes, because sprays negatively affect the nasal mucosa, burning it. This can lead to chronic rhinitis. And here everything is simple: I drank powder from colds and flu - and it became easier to breathe. In this case, mind you, no effect on the mucous membrane.
Benefits
On the shelves of pharmacies, drugs of this form appeared about 20 years ago. However, powders were used long before that. True, then they were not taken orally. So, our grandmothers believed that the best remedy for flu is mustard powder. In fairness, we note that no one belittles its values today, just along with it there were more modern means that the ill public could appreciate. What are flu powders good for?
The list of their benefits can be written:
- Fast and effective effect on the body. This is not a pill that still needs to be dissolved in the stomach. The powder acts instantly, and after 20 minutes (maximum half an hour) the patient feels relief.
- Pleasant taste. Almost all powders have some kind of berry or fruity taste. They can be drunk like tea.
- Cope with almost all the symptoms at the same time. That is, they not only relieve a headache or eliminate nasal congestion, but also lower the temperature and improve the general condition of a person.
Thanks to these properties, powders from colds and flu have become for us a kind of lifesaver.
Talk about the flaws
Despite the fact that such products are easy to drink (like a favorite drink), and give quick relief, they also have drawbacks. These minuses cannot be called serious, but they should not be forgotten either. For example:
- Such a cure for influenza will be effective only at the very beginning of the disease.
- Powders can cause an upset gastrointestinal tract. Do not be alarmed, such a side effect is not necessary, but similar cases have occurred in medical practice.
- These remedies are not combined with certain medications. Therefore, if you are taking any medications, then you need to choose a powder only on the recommendation of a doctor. In extreme cases, on the advice of a pharmacist.
- Powders cause drowsiness. If you have a day off ahead, this can even be called a plus, but if you have an important meeting where you need concentration, then this is a huge minus.
Contraindications
Despite the fact that powders for a short time do not leave a trace of flu or cold symptoms (however, not always), not everyone can use them. From their use should refrain:
- Women during pregnancy or lactation.
- People with pathologies of the liver or kidneys.
- You can not give similar funds to small children, since acetylsalicylic acid is contraindicated for them. So, for example, Fervex is allowed only from the age of six. But with this problem usually does not arise, because almost any powder has a baby form.
Basic rules for admission
When resorting to powders at the beginning of a cold, you should be aware of these features:
- You can not take this tool for a long time. 3-5 days maximum.
- Powders do not combine with sedatives. Even with seemingly harmless valerian.
- Never take alcohol during treatment.
- Using more than 4 sachets per day is not recommended.
- It is better not to use powders if the body temperature is below +38 degrees.
Overdose
Yes, if you abuse the rules of admission, all kinds of negative consequences are likely.
An overdose of powders (and you can use them no more than 4 times a day) is fraught with such phenomena as:
- Unjustified excitation of the nervous system.
- Allergy and dry mouth.
- Bleeding due to decreased platelet count.
- Problems with urination.
In order to avoid such troubles, you must strictly follow the instructions or recommendations of the doctor.
Powder composition
The effectiveness of the powders is explained by their complex composition. It is thanks to him that they act better and faster than single-component pharmaceuticals. They necessarily include:
- Anticongestants . They dilate blood vessels well, improve breathing, and reduce symptoms of a runny nose.
- Antihistamines. These components are necessary to save the patient from signs of allergies (itching, sneezing, tearfulness).
- Analgesics . Their task is to relieve pain symptoms.
Such a multicomponent composition ensures the effectiveness of the use of these medications.
Range
In the modern pharmaceutical market, these flu products are available in a wide range. You can not name the best powders for colds, because they each act individually. In addition, their assortment is more than diverse. Fervex, Grippoflu, Pharmacitron, Antigrippin, Nimesil, Teraflu, Coldrex are all colds. The list goes on and on.
However, there are also favorites in this area. On the drugstore shelves you can see the most popular cold powders. The list is pretty impressive.
Teraflu
The most common powder for colds and flu. Its anti-inflammatory effect is weakly expressed, but due to the presence of phenylephrine, paracetamol and other components in its composition, it quickly relieves fever and pain.
However, it should be borne in mind that "Teraflu" is contraindicated:
- Patients with epilepsy and bronchial asthma.
- If you suffer from diseases of the genitourinary system.
- During pregnancy or during lactation.
Fervex
One of the first to appear on the pharmaceutical market. It is a multicomponent drug. It contains, in addition to paracetamol and pheniramine, ascorbic acid. It copes with a runny nose, even if you have allergic rhinitis, relieves muscle pain.
Be careful because Fervex:
- Do not use in the 1st and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy.
- Patients suffering from alcoholism.
- For eye diseases, such as glaucoma.
In addition, the classic drug is not recommended for children under 15 years of age. But there is a special children's variety.
"Antigrippin"
A combined flu medicine that contains the same paracetamol, vitamin C, to which chlorphenamine is added. Effectively relieves headaches and muscle pains, and also fights with a runny nose.
However, for all its effectiveness, Antigrippin is considered an insidious drug, because it can cause side effects. Among them, dizziness, fatigue, and general weakness of the body can be distinguished.
Contraindications include:
- Any period of pregnancy.
- Glaucoma disease.
- Periods of exacerbation of peptic ulcer.
- Chronic alcoholism
First-aid kit: powders for colds for children
Children, as you know, are sick much more often than adults. The explanation is very simple: their immunity has not yet fully formed. But treating babies is much more difficult. After all, we all know about the harmful effects of chemicals on the fragile children's body. It is for this reason that many pharmaceutical companies produce special medical products marked "children". There are such medicines among powders.
When treating a baby with powders, the following rules should be strictly adhered to:
- Buy only the products your doctor recommends.
- Observe the exact dosage, as powders destroy the gastric mucosa.
- Do not use several different drugs at the same time.
- Provide your child with bed rest and plenty of water.
Baby Cold Powders: List
What are the remedies for flu for children? Basically, these are more gentle modifications of powders for adults. However, there are special medicines designed specifically for the child's body.
Most often used in the treatment of colds and flu:
- "Antigrippin" , which can be given to a child after 3 years. It has an anti-allergic effect, relieves pain and lowers temperature.
- "Panadol Baby and Infant." It has different forms of release: candles, syrup, powder. Can be used for children older than one month. It is very effective, since, in addition to the painkiller, it also has an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Efferalgan. Another remedy, having many varieties (powders, syrup, candles). Relieves pain, lowers fever, relieves inflammation.
As you can see, there are a lot of products in the form of powders for both adults and children. However, they should not be considered a panacea for all ills. Relieving the symptoms of a cold is one thing, but treating it is another. Therefore, a visit to the clinic to the attending physician can still not be avoided. This is especially true for a disease such as influenza, because it is fraught with serious complications.