Acute viral respiratory infections (acute respiratory viral infections or colds) are very common around the world. Millions of people annually suffer from them. According to statistics, about 20% of adults and 10% of children get the flu every year. The total prevalence of acute respiratory viral infections is much higher.
On average, children are about 6-8, and adults have a cold 2-4 times 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. Cold-provoking viruses 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 , and catarrh of the respiratory tract is locally observed. Viruses that enter in large quantities suppress the immune response. In this regard, with colds, the risk of developing complications is high. As a rule, the consequences are due to the attachment of a bacterial lesion of the ENT organs and respiratory system.
In particular, pneumonia, phlebitis, otitis media and others can develop. The effect that cold medicines have is aimed at activating nonspecific body protection and eliminating pathogens. As a result of correctly selected measures, disturbed functions and structures are restored, and recovery comes.
The main signs of the disease
Intoxication syndrome is considered the main, accompanying acute respiratory viral infection, a manifestation. This symptom occurs as a result of the toxic effects of the decay products of affected cells and viruses. Due to its microscopic size, the pathogen easily penetrates the nervous system, exerts a cytopathic effect there. Intoxication syndrome is most pronounced in the flu.
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, damage is observed mainly in the upper respiratory tract. Localization depends on the type of pathogen. So, a rhinovirus infection is manifested by a runny nose (mainly), parainfluenza - a lesion of the larynx, respiratory syncytial infection - a disease of the bronchi.
What medicines to take with a cold
Before talking about the drugs that are prescribed for ARVI therapy, 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 cure for the common cold.
All drugs are divided into several categories.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
In this group, aspirin and its derivatives are considered the most popular. At the same time, experts remind that colds are characterized, among other things, by capillary damage. The antiplatelet effect of acetylsalicylic acid during therapy can cause complications. Comparatively safe agents 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 increasingly popular. In their composition there are 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 nonspecific resistance of the body to infections increases. Caffeine is another ingredient that some combination cold medicines contain. It enhances the action 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, funds are often prescribed containing components that block the activity of this mediator.
Among such preparations, “Pheniramine maleate,” for example. Thanks to the action of antihistamines, the swelling of the nasal mucosa decreases, breathing is facilitated, and lacrimation is reduced. Pronounced vasoconstrictor effects have adrenomimetics (Phenylephrine, for example). Due to their activity, swelling of the bronchial mucosa decreases. Among the combined NSAIDs, experts pay special attention to such a medication as Amizon. This tool, in addition to pronounced analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects, has interferonogenic activity.
Cold preparations
Rhinitis almost always accompanies colds. It is very important to choose the right therapy in this case. Basically, a 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 amount of mucus secreted, which greatly facilitates breathing. In addition, agents based on the essential oils of cedar, mint and eucalyptus are popular for eliminating the common cold. Such drugs are available in different dosage forms.
Cough medicine
To facilitate the separation of sputum, which is formed in the bronchi with the development of colds, expectorants are prescribed. They differ in accordance with the mechanism of action. Medicines with reflex activity, for example, irritate the gastric receptors, as a result of which the center in the vagus nerve of the medulla is excited. Thanks to this action, the secretion of bronchial glands increases, sputum liquefies, and peristalsis of the respiratory muscles increases.