Constant cold and no end – many people know this problem, especially in winter. Antibiotics are not a solution. These tips help against every stubborn infection.
Symptoms like coughs and runny nose are high season every winter. Because first of all we spend more time in closed rooms in winter and make it easy for viruses to jump from person to person.
And secondly, our bodies are now particularly susceptible to colds: The darkness reduces vitamin D production and weakens the immune system. And the cold dries out the mucous membranes and thereby also lowers the immune system directly in the path of entry of the pathogen, i.e. in the nose and throat.
Health has a hard time in winter
A burden that weakens and makes you vulnerable: The back and forth between heating air inside and icy temperatures outside causes new infections all the time, whether a cold or the flu.
A weakened immune system causes permanent cold
And Unfortunately, because our body is so stressed, a cold is increasingly turning into a permanent cold. It usually takes our immune system a week to deal with the cold viruses. And these are actually responsible for 90 percent of respiratory infections.
The problem: Unfortunately, antibiotics do not help against viruses. However, they are often prescribed, for example, to prevent bacterial infections and inflammation (such as pneumonia). However, if you have a respiratory tract infection, you won't get well faster with antibiotics, the symptoms are not alleviated either. This is what a team of researchers from 12 countries found out in a placebo-controlled study with over 2,000 patients.
The best tips to prevent the cold from becoming a permanent cold in winter
Drink
Anyone struggling with a cough and runny nose should drink plenty of fluids. This loosens the mucus and makes it easier to remove it from the airways. So drink at least three liters a day, preferably water or herbal tea. Teas not only provide fluids, but also help calm the throat and throat.
They are particularly suitable as cold teas Thyme, ribwort or sage, but also ginger, fennel and anise. You can find out how strong coughs and dry, dry coughs develop in these articles.
Chicken soup as a home remedy
Grandma always knew what was good: A plate of chicken soup is particularly helpful in the case of permanent cold and flu. Because it contains the protein cysteine - this makes the mucous membranes swell and reduces inflammation.
do the washing up
The first time it may still take a bit of effort – but a nasal rinse really helps with an infection. And maybe even preventive: In a study by the Hanover University of Applied Sciences, people who flushed daily for six weeks had a significantly less common cold.
A 0.9 percent saline solution is particularly suitable. They are sterile and expensive in the pharmacy, but they can also be mixed very easily yourself: dissolve a knife tip of table salt in a 0.2 liter glass with lukewarm water. Boiling is not necessary.
Pour the solution into a nebulizer and hold it up to your nose. Tilt your head back a little and spray the liquid several times into the nostril while inhaling. Repeat the procedure several times a day.
Inhale
Warm vapors also help moisten the airways and clear mucus. For example, you can inhale with an infusion of chamomile flowers (has an anti-inflammatory effect), thyme leaves (dissolves the mucus) or essential oils with eucalyptus, peppermint and menthol (germicidal). Pour hot water over the dried plants in a bowl or put a few drops of oil in a bowl of hot water. Then you put a towel over your head and bowl, lean over the water and inhale the steam.
Attention: Menthol is not suitable for children! In addition, you should always handle the water and the bowl carefully to avoid burns.
Spray, but in moderation
Decongestant sprays or drops often relieve the symptoms quickly and effectively. This can give those suffering from colds the urgently needed, restful sleep at night. But the active ingredients contained in the spray change the mucous membrane after a short time and can even damage it permanently. Long-term use can be dangerous after just one week. Therefore, spray or drops should not be used preventively.
Also important: JEvery family member should use their own spray so as not to spread pathogens. And also for reasons of hygiene, an opened bottle should not be kept until the next cold.
Gargle
You should also take care of your throat and throat if you have a permanent cold. Because especially when the cold only lets us breathe through the mouth, the throat area dries out particularly quickly and becomes prone to inflammation. To prevent this from happening, gargle several times a day with a solution of a quarter of a liter of water and a teaspoon of salt.
Wrap
The local defense against disease also stimulates the good old warm compresses for chest and sore throat. A few drops of lavender oil on the compress are particularly effective against dry coughs.
You can find even more good home remedies for colds and home remedies for sore throats in these articles!