Aspirin can be safely called a panacea for many ailments. Many take it for various pain syndromes. Does aspirin help with colds? Experts say that a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug may not be used in all cases. Let us consider in more detail the features of the treatment of ARVI and influenza with this drug.
General description of the tool
Acetylsalicylic acid has been used in medical practice for a long time. The substance has antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-aggregation effects. Initially, the drug was used to relieve severe pain in the joints. "Aspirin" is already a trade name for a preparation containing acetylsalicylic acid as an active component.
As a result of taking the drug, it is possible to reduce the energy supply of the focus of the inflammatory process. This is due to the inhibition of the synthesis of prostaglandins - substances that cause inflammation, pain and fever. At high body temperature, acetylsalicylic acid affects the centers of the brain responsible for thermoregulation. The substance begins to act half an hour after ingestion.
When is aspirin used?
Many pathological conditions respond to therapy with an agent such as aspirin. With a cold, it is taken already at the initial stage, when the symptoms of the disease are still poorly expressed. It is recommended to use an analgesic for pain syndromes of various etiologies. Acetylsalicylic acid copes with toothache and headache, migraine, neuralgia, pain during menstruation. The drug is prescribed if it is necessary to treat inflammation of the serous membrane of the heart (pericarditis), pathologies of the spinal column, accompanied by acute pain.
Acetylsalicylic acid is used to prevent cardiovascular disease. The substance prevents blood clotting, which prevents blood clots from forming. "Acetyl" is prescribed for angina pectoris, acute thrombophlebitis, atrial fibrillation, after heart attacks and strokes.
Substitutes for Aspirin
If necessary, you can choose an analogue of aspirin. No less effective drugs are:
- Aspeter.
- The Aspicore.
- Asafen.
- Aspirin Cardio.
- "Copacil."
- "Asfen."
- "Acecardol."
- "Thrombo ACC."
Acetylsalicylic acid-based drug is selected depending on the expected effect.
Aspirin for colds
Without temperature and a runny nose, it is not always possible to meet cold, damp weather. To get rid of the symptoms of SARS, many begin to take aspirin. Is it possible to be treated with this drug? Most doctors are inclined to believe that the side effects of a medication during a cold will cause much more than positive effects.
Despite the possibility of influencing the centers of thermoregulation and stimulating sweating, aspirin should be used only in the most extreme cases to eliminate the symptoms of acute respiratory illness. The drug really relieves fever and aching joints, but it can cause a number of undesirable reactions. After all, many people do not even realize that they are intolerant of acetylsalicylic acid until they take at least one tablet.
If at high temperature, fever there is no other antipyretic medicine at hand, you can also drink aspirin. At the first signs of a cold, the medication should be taken only at high body temperature. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of acetylsalicylic acid can significantly reduce sore throat and muscles, eliminate swelling of the nasal mucosa.
Effervescent tablets
Large white tablets containing acetylsalicylic and ascorbic acid are effervescent aspirin. Such a drug has antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. In addition, effervescent tablets can increase the protective functions of the body and increase resistance to viral agents. The product can be purchased at the pharmacy under such names as Aspirin-UPSA or Aspirin-S.
What to take with a cold?
A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, when used correctly, can quickly improve overall well-being with acute respiratory viral infections. Effervescent aspirin is much better tolerated by the body and does not have such a devastating effect on the digestive tract as regular tablets.
"Aspirin-UPSA": instructions for use
The popular remedy “Aspirin-UPSA” helps to stop pain syndromes of any origin, lower body temperature and eliminate joint pain. The active ingredient of the drug is acetylsalicylic acid (500 mg). As auxiliary substances, citric acid, sodium citrate, povidone, sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate, aspartame are used. Another form of the drug is also available - Aspirin-UPSA with vitamin C. Ascorbic acid has a positive effect on blood vessels, strengthening their walls, and normalizes metabolism in the body.
The tool is available in the form of tablets intended for dissolution in a small amount of water. Such an aspirin for colds can be taken not only to normalize body temperature, but also to eliminate headaches, myalgia, neuralgia.
Can I give aspirin to children?
Taking aspirin for colds can really quickly lower your body temperature. However, doctors categorically forbid giving children such a medicine. In babies, acetylsalicylic acid causes Reye syndrome - cerebral edema without an inflammatory process.
The first signs of a pathological condition appear already at the stage of recovery. The main symptoms include vomiting, weakness, disorientation, shortness of breath. In severe cases, the child may lose consciousness or even fall into a coma. If you experience similar symptoms after taking aspirin or other drugs containing acetylsalicylic acid, it is important to call an ambulance as soon as possible.
To avoid serious consequences, it is better to give the child an aspirin analogue designed specifically for treating babies. Antipyretic and analgesic properties are possessed by such drugs as Ibufen, Nurofen, Efferalgan, Panadol. A medication is selected depending on the age of the child.
Prescribe aspirin for colds to a child only after 14 years. A single dose is 250 mg. You can give no more than 750 mg per day. Some manufacturers indicate a dosage for children from two years. Babies are allowed to give no more than 100 mg of acetylsalicylic acid. However, doctors do not recommend this.
What is better for colds - aspirin or paracetamol?
Another popular heat and pain reliever is paracetamol. The active substance is a phenacetin derivative. This is an analgesic antipyretic from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which, thanks to its fast absorption in the digestive tract, does not cause serious consequences. The action of the drug is to block cyclooxygenase in the central nervous system.
Paracetamol is produced in the form of tablets, syrup, capsules, suppositories with various dosages of the active substance. The medicine is prescribed to treat patients of all age categories. When choosing between aspirin and paracetamol, it is better to give preference to the second option if it is necessary to lower body temperature or relieve pain. It should be remembered that the phenacetin derivative has a mild anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, to eliminate pain in the joints, this tool is better not to use.
How to take aspirin?
Many adults choose to use aspirin for colds. How to take this remedy to avoid negative consequences? Because acetylsalicylic acid irritates the gastric mucosa, it should be taken only after eating. The dosage must be observed. Adult patients are allowed to take 250-1000 mg of aspirin at a time. The maximum daily dose is 3 g. At least 4 hours should elapse between doses of the drug.
Refuse treatment with acetylsalicylic acid should be if the patient has the following contraindications:
- tendency to internal bleeding;
- peptic ulcer;
- "Aspirin" asthma;
- flu;
- lack of vitamin K in the body;
- thrombocytopenia, hemophilia;
- severe liver or kidney disease;
- pregnancy, lactation;
- hypersensitivity to acetylsalicylic acid.