How not to confuse the signs of acute respiratory infections in adults with another disease

Autumn and winter are the coldest times of the year.

It is enough to go outside once, dressed inappropriately for the weather, and you will immediately feel the first symptoms of illness: runny nose, body aches, nasal congestion and sneezing.

Most likely, within a few days you will feel healthy again, but sometimes it happens that a cold develops into much more dangerous diseases, and people don’t even know about it.

Below we have described 7 such diseases and their main symptoms.

Sore throat

A cold is often accompanied by an unpleasant “scratching” sensation in the throat. However, if the pain becomes unbearable, we advise you not to endure it, but to consult a doctor as soon as possible - there is a high probability that you have developed streptococcal sore throat and will require antibiotic treatment.

Earache

The mucus and phlegm that accumulate in the throat and nose during a cold can easily get into the ear and cause inflammation and secondary infection. And this happens much more often than we would like, so when the first painful sensations appear in the ear, consult a specialist. Under no circumstances should you prescribe drops for yourself or, worse, warm your ear with a lamp!

The symptoms of flu and colds, especially in the early stages, are surprisingly similar. But there is one symptom that is characteristic of the flu.

We are talking about aches and pains throughout the body, including internal organs, such as the stomach.

If you feel something like this along with a runny nose and sore throat, consult a doctor - you need treatment for the flu, because, as you know, this disease, unlike a cold, has many complications.

Persistent cough

Now the bottle of cough medicine is coming to an end, and you are still sick... Know: this is not normal! If you have a cough that hasn't gone away for about two weeks, go to the hospital immediately - it could indicate bronchitis or even pneumonia.

Since a cold is a disease of the upper respiratory tract, minor breathing difficulties are also typical for it.

But if you experience shortness of breath, hoarseness and shortness of breath, it’s time to consult a specialist - it seems that you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or, as it is also called, COPD.

Those patients who have previously had pneumonia, as well as older people, are especially at risk of contracting COPD. They should especially carefully monitor their health and use various methods to prevent colds and flu during the cold seasons.

Long period of illness

A common cold can last a maximum of five to seven days, so if it's been a week and you're still feeling unwell, rest assured you're dealing with something more serious. For example, a cold could easily develop into sinusitis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of one or more paranasal sinuses, which is accompanied by headaches, fever, profuse nasal discharge and heaviness in the paranasal or frontal areas.

Problems with stool

It seems that everything here should be obvious, however, judging by the experience of doctors, patients often mistake bowel problems for one of the symptoms of a cold and do not take them too seriously. However, nausea, bloody diarrhea and other symptoms are most likely caused by food poisoning or even gastroenteritis. In any case, you need to see a doctor and not self-medicate.

See also: How Koreans take care of their health. It's effective, but a little weird

Source: https://BigPicture.ru/?p=1225288

Cold symptoms (First signs of the onset of a cold in adults)

During the year, a person can get sick with colds - an acute respiratory infection, expressed in the occurrence of inflammatory processes, cough, and runny nose.

In 90% of cases, the risk of the disease is associated with a weakened immune system.

In order to minimize the severity of symptoms and speed up recovery time, you need to know how a cold manifests itself, what leads to its appearance, and what can be effectively treated at home.

How to stop a cold from starting

In order to avoid getting sick and quickly restore the body’s natural defenses, you should know how a cold manifests itself and what its onset is. Special precautions must be taken during the cold season (winter) and the off-season period, when the body is weakened or lacks vitamins.

In 80% of cases, the infection is transmitted from person to person by airborne droplets, but sometimes the disease develops as a result of hypothermia. The initial stages of a cold are manifested by inflammation of the mucous membranes.

The main symptom that indicates negative processes in the body is rhinorrhea (profuse nasal discharge, transparent, uncolored). In the first few hours, a person feels normal, if his immunity is not weakened, he continues to work as usual until 24 hours from the moment of illness.

Gradually, other primary manifestations of colds are added to rhinorrhea:

1. Sore throat.
2. Redness of the mucous membranes of the throat.
3. Increasing temperature indicators to 37.1-37.5 degrees.
4. Painful sensations during swallowing.
5. Decreased appetite.
6. Apathy.
7. Increased fatigue.
8. A cough occurs (it can be dry or wet).
9. There is difficulty in breathing.
10. A headache occurs (the intensity of the symptom varies from person to person).

There is also general weakness, malaise, loss of strength and endurance. Nasal congestion and sneezing occur. Some people experience watery eyes, their eyes become red and slightly swollen, so the symptoms are mistaken for allergies during the warmer months.

The main symptoms appear later, which allows the doctor to prescribe effective therapy and speed up the body’s recovery process. If treatment is not attempted on the first day, the symptoms will intensify and the inflammatory processes will increase.

At the initial stage of the disease, it is difficult to recognize the degree of development of inflammation, so consultation with a doctor is necessary; it will help you choose the right treatment tactics and prevent complications from occurring.

Cold symptoms in adults

It is important to know how a cold progresses and how it differs from ARVI or influenza, since the consequences and burden on the body in these cases are different.

Independent symptomatic treatment is allowed only if all diseases except the common cold (ARI) are completely excluded.

In the case when the disease begins abruptly and unexpectedly, you need to seek medical help, since this symptom indicates a strong inflammatory process and the presence of infection.

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Distinctive features of influenza and ARVI

The flu has a peculiarity - excessive weakness and high temperature (up to 39-40 degrees), but without examination it cannot be ruled out if the malaise appears suddenly.

Symptoms such as lethargy or body aches are mild during a cold, but they are the main ones with the flu. In some cases, the condition is accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Unlike acute respiratory viral infections or colds, the flu may not have symptoms such as:

1. Runny nose.
2. Cough.
3. Sore throat.

With the flu, severe redness of the eyes is also observed (small vessels can be distinguished). Self-medication in this case is prohibited.

You should also consult a doctor if the following are added to the usual cold symptoms:

1. Pain in the sinuses.
2. Prolonged high temperature (not reduced by using medications).
3. Paleness of the skin (pronounced).
4. Presence of pain and/or wheezing in the chest.
5. Discharge of mucus (colored) from the nose or throat.
6. Persistent or severe headaches.
7. A burning sensation in the eyes.
8. Discomfort in the abdomen.

These manifestations indicate other diseases that require medical supervision.

Main symptoms of a cold

If there are no dangerous symptoms, it is necessary to take measures to quickly relieve the symptoms of the initial stage of a cold. General manifestations of the disease in adults:

1. Severe weakness.
2. Malaise.
3. Pain in muscles and joints (not severe).
4. Redness and sore throat.
5. Cough (of varying intensity).
6. Temperature (37-38.5 degrees).
7. Chills.
8. Sweating.
9. Pain in the eyes and a feeling of heaviness.
10. Tearing.
11. Headache.
12. Decreased or complete absence of appetite.

Additionally, adults may experience insomnia and enlarged lymph nodes.

During the development and course of a cold, the functioning of the glands responsible for the separation of protective mucus is disrupted. When the immune system begins to fight viruses, toxins are formed that must be immediately removed from the body.

It is important to prevent the inflammatory process during this period, as sinusitis may begin.

Cold from hypothermia

In the spring and summer, you can get sick not only from infection, but also from hypothermia. The problem arises because the person has been hot for a long time, as a result of which the body has warmed up well. After a sharp cooling (taking a shower, swimming in a river, too much ice cream, a draft), he experiences stress from changes in temperature. Against this background, inflammatory processes occur.

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In order to avoid colds associated with hypothermia, it is recommended to dress according to the weather, especially in winter, when excessive insulation can cause sudden temperature changes, and lack of warmth (light outerwear, lack of a scarf and hat) will lead to rapid hypothermia under the influence of natural low temperatures for the season.

It is important to know the signs of a cold caused by hypothermia. In the summer, the inflammatory reaction occurs with peculiarities - it develops for 18-24 hours without symptoms or manifestations, and only then does the person feel manifestations of the disease, such as chills, sneezing and sore throat. In winter, if a person is very cold, the disease will manifest itself in 10-12 hours.

At the first symptoms, when there is no increase in temperature, it is necessary to provide a sufficient amount of heat for the body - make hot tea with lemon, warm your feet, rub the body with a warming ointment. In summer, vitamins and warm tea are used. It is important to remember that another person can become infected, since an infection develops in the patient’s body, which is actively transmitted by airborne droplets.

It must be remembered that in cold weather, mucous discharge from the nose will be more abundant. The average duration of illness is 4-7 days, unless complications arise or a secondary infection occurs. It is difficult to cure a cold on your own; at home, you can alleviate the symptoms. It must be remembered that antibiotics cannot be used without a doctor’s recommendation.

Complex therapy will allow you to effectively cure a viral infection. Antibiotics taken during self-medication can cause great harm as they affect different systems in the body.

How to quickly relieve cold symptoms

You need to know before the onset of the illness season how to treat colds in adults in order to eliminate negative manifestations at an early stage. It is recommended to receive comprehensive treatment using medications and folk remedies prescribed by your doctor.

It is impossible to completely cure a cold in 1-2 days, even if you start therapy at an early stage of development. Medicines help, but alleviating symptoms only relieves the severity of the symptoms without eliminating the cause of the disease.

The following help strengthen the body and alleviate the symptoms of colds:

1. Balanced diet.
2. Rejection of bad habits.
3. Compliance with all doctor's recommendations.
4. Refusal of self-medication.

In order to counter the problem and not get infected, it is better to take a complex of vitamins in advance, play sports, and perform physical activity appropriate to the age and characteristics of the body.

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If a person is already sick, it is recommended:

1. Take the medication prescribed by your doctor.
2. Use a medical mask (to prevent the infection from spreading further from the patient).
3. Eat properly and nutritiously, include an increased amount of fruits in your diet, as they are a natural source of vitamins.
4. Drink sufficient fluids (necessary to remove toxins from the body).

If a person smokes, then during the period of illness you need to give up this habit in order to reduce the cough. At home, you need to ventilate the room so that the infection does not accumulate, use a humidifier to reduce irritation on the mucous membrane of the throat or nose. It is better to drink warm liquid in a volume of 1.5-2 liters per day.

You should not listen to advice from friends on how to get rid of cold symptoms. It has been proven that the same pathogen affects people with different intensity. In one person, the disease is expressed by a slight runny nose and sore throat, and in another – high fever, weakness and body pain.

It is not recommended to deliberately lower the temperature if its readings have not reached 38 degrees. This is due to the fact that it is during this period that the body naturally fights viruses and infections that cause the cold.

If treatment is carried out incorrectly and the course is not completed completely, complications may occur:

1. Development of otitis media (ear pain, hearing loss, high fever).
2. Inflammatory processes in the sinuses, accompanied by nasal congestion and pain in the bridge of the nose (sinusitis, sinusitis, sinusitis).

Often a severe cough appears - bronchitis. It appears in the evening or at night, and can be dry and deep. Sputum gradually forms and the cough becomes moist.

If bronchitis appears, it can be identified by characteristic wheezing - rough, whistling, breathing becomes difficult. In some cases, inflammation of the lymph nodes is observed - lymphadenitis in the neck. Complications require separate medical monitoring and special treatment.

Thus, the cold, its symptoms and treatment in adults require special attention. It’s not enough to just take medication to get better; you need complex treatment. It should be selected taking into account the existing symptoms.

At this stage, you need to do procedures that strengthen the body - rest more, eat right, use herbs and plants to prepare warm drinks.

If a cold appears, consult a doctor and follow his recommendations, do not self-medicate.

//youtu.be/mFYUIzHeNhg

Source: https://lor-orvi.ru/zabolevanie/prostuda/simptomy-i-priznaki/

How not to confuse the flu with a cold

Before discussing all the distinctive features relating to the infectious pathogenesis of the airways, it is necessary to clarify the meaning of the three pathologies under consideration. Some people, due to their ignorance, independently prescribe certain methods of treating respiratory diseases, and yet each of them requires a certain therapeutic approach.

What is a cold?

Let's start with colds, because this is what people are more susceptible to, regardless of the time of year. A cold is a symptom indicating damage to the respiratory system or vulnerable organs, which occurs due to the influence of respiratory infections or cold conditions on the body.

For example, after being outside for a long time in windy and rainy weather, there is a high probability that a person, especially with a weak immune system, may catch a cold.

In the summer, people can also get sick, especially if their body or nasopharynx, which is very hot, is suddenly cooled.

A cold can be transmitted from a sick person to a healthy one; this happens if the defense mechanism is not strong enough to immediately eliminate the infection and prevent it from spreading in the body.

Classic colds in themselves are not dangerous and can be cured quickly; recovery, as a rule, occurs in 3-7 days.

This is subject to the condition that all measures to treat the cold were quickly taken, and the inflammatory processes were stopped in a timely manner.

Ailments caused by a mild cold can be cured in the usual ways, without even resorting to medications, for example, water-alkaline gargling, rinsing the nose with saline solution, drinking plenty of fluids, externally warming the chest and nose, and inhalations. What cannot be said about acute infectious diseases that are provoked by serious pathogens (viruses), special drugs with antiviral effects will be required here.

What are ARVI and influenza?

These are two types of pathologies that have pronounced cold-like symptoms that were provoked by pneumotropic viruses. Medicine has discovered 200 types of such pathogenic microorganisms.

If acute respiratory diseases are a general term that unites all infectious pathologies of the respiratory tract, then influenza is one of the types of acute respiratory viral infections that occurs due to severe damage to the respiratory system by certain strains of influenza viruses.

• rhinovirus pathology;
• adenovirus pathology;
• respiratory syncytial viral disease;
• viral pathology parainfluenza;
• viral respiratory disease influenza.

• Rhinovirus pathology
• The causative agent of the disease is the picornavirus family.
• Source of infection: a sick person who spreads the infection through airborne droplets when talking, sneezing, coughing.

• the temperature increase is usually gradual and does not exceed more than 38 degrees, the person shudders;
• the focus of the lesion is the mucous tissue of the nasal cavity; at the beginning of the disease, the nasal passages become very swollen and abundant mucous-watery discharge appears, later the mucus becomes thick;
• the patient is bothered by discomfort in the throat, soreness, cough;
• inflammation of the conjunctiva is observed; the degree of intoxication is average.

1. Adenoviral pathology
2. The causative agent of the disease is the adenovirus family.
3. Source of infection: a person infected with an adenovirus infection.

• clinical signs are somewhat similar to those of influenza;
• the disease begins with a feeling of general weakness, the appearance of migraine, myalgia;
• hyperemia of the tonsils is observed;
• on the third day, body temperature rises sharply - up to 39 degrees, it can persist for 5-7 days;
• the lymphatic structures in the neck and under the jaw are swollen;
• then pronounced respiratory signs appear, often accompanied by conjunctivitis;
• there are painful sensations in the central part of the peritoneum.

• Viral pathology parainfluenza
• The causative agent of the disease: anthrapous infections.
• Source of infection: a person infected with anthroposal infection, spreading the virus to tableware, as well as during communication, sneezing, coughing and kissing.

• a flu-like clinical picture, but in a mild form;
• temperature values ​​remain within 37-38 degrees;

Source: https://lkray-promo.ru/gripp/kak-ne-pereputat-gripp-s-prostudoy/

A cold or... - what five dangerous diseases can be confused with a cold?

Do you have a high fever, weakness, sore throat, migraine? Is it a cold? Is not it?

We often think that all these symptoms undoubtedly tell us that we have a cold. About the common cold. But the whole truth is that these same symptoms can be signs of a number of other diseases. At times, these diseases can be very dangerous. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to them in a timely manner.

Meningitis

This disease is an inflammation of the soft membranes around the spinal cord and brain. If meningitis is not treated promptly, it can lead to deafness, brain damage, and even learning loss. Early diagnosis and therapy are crucial. Only this will save you from irreversible consequences for the brain.

Meningitis is spread by airborne droplets: sneezing, coughing, kissing. Lack of timely treatment leads to mortality in half of the cases (with timely medical care, this figure is less than 5 percent).

Early stages of HIV

Early HIV infection manifests itself with symptoms that are similar to the flu or a cold. These are swelling of the lymph nodes, fever, lethargy, fatigue, dry cough. These signs may indicate the presence of the HIV virus in the body.

Symptoms can appear for quite a long time: from 6 to 12 weeks, and appear 10 years after infection. Therefore, it is necessary to undergo HIV testing at least once a year, especially for people who are at risk.

We invite you to find out: Why people should know about HIV

Whooping cough

This is a bacterial disease characterized by spasms and uncontrollable coughing attacks.

The early symptoms of whooping cough are similar to a cold. It is at this stage that whooping cough is most effectively treated. After this, a stage begins (about a week after infection) characterized by coughing attacks.

Whooping cough is a deadly disease, especially for infants under six months of age.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis still remains one of the most common dangerous diseases on the planet.

Its first signs are as follows: headache, general malaise, shortness of breath, fever (increases in the evening to 37.5 degrees).

Sometimes chest pain and cough occur, but these are not necessary for the onset of the disease. And with the subsequent development of the disease, these symptoms appear more often.

Hepatitis A

There are three types of hepatitis: hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. The first is the most common form, in which cases of death are very rare, but the virus can lead to negative health consequences. For example, it will take more than six months for the liver to fully recover.

Symptoms of the initial stage include fever, loss of appetite, nausea and malaise. Then they may be joined by pain in the right hypochondrium, heaviness and vomiting.

Colds: the course of the disease is not ignored

You need to pay close attention to the course of the disease. You should be alarmed if recovery from a seemingly cold does not occur for too long. After all, a cold goes away within a week.

If you get sick very often, then this should not be ignored either. It must be remembered that on average children catch colds about 8 times, and adults get colds about three times a year. You should especially pay attention to colds in the warm season.

Monitor your symptoms. In cases where the temperature does not go down well, is accompanied by a rash and other phenomena strange for a cold, you should consult a doctor.

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5 extremely dangerous diseases whose symptoms are similar to a cold

The same symptoms are characteristic of other diseases.

Heat? A sore throat? Migraine? Weakness? Sounds like a cold, doesn't it?..

Often these symptoms are attributed to colds, without giving them much importance. However, these same symptoms are also characteristic of other diseases, which are often fatal if you do not pay attention to them in time.

Meningitis

Meningitis is an inflammation of the soft membranes around the brain and spinal cord caused by viruses or bacteria. If not treated promptly, meningitis can lead to brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disabilities. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to preventing permanent brain damage.

The disease is transmitted through airborne droplets, such as through kissing, sneezing or coughing. In the absence of timely treatment, mortality from the disease reaches 50%, and with timely assistance provided - no more than 5%.

HIV (early stages)

In the early stages, HIV may present with symptoms similar to a cold or flu. High temperature, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and lethargy, dry cough - all these symptoms may indicate the presence of the virus in the body.

Symptoms can last for a long time: from six to twelve weeks, and appear 10 or more years after infection. This is why you need to be tested for HIV at least once or twice a year.

Whooping cough

Whooping cough is a bacterial disease characterized by spasms and uncontrollable coughing attacks.

The first symptoms of whooping cough are similar to a common cold, and it is during this period that the disease is most effectively treated. The next stage, as a rule, begins a week after infection, and is characterized by coughing attacks.

Whooping cough is a deadly disease, especially for young children under 6 months of age.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis remains one of the most common deadly diseases in the world. The first symptoms of tuberculosis are fever, general malaise, and headache.

Chest pain and cough do not always accompany the onset of the disease, but as the disease progresses, these symptoms begin to appear.

Hepatitis A

There are three forms of hepatitis: A, B and C. Hepatitis A is the most common form of the disease. Deaths from hepatitis A are extremely rare, but the virus can have unpleasant health consequences. It may take 6 months to fully restore liver function.

The disease begins with malaise, fever, decreased appetite and nausea. Over time, heaviness or pain in the right hypochondrium, nausea and vomiting may appear.

What should you pay attention to?

Be sure to pay attention to how the disease progresses. Perhaps you can't recover for too long? A cold usually goes away completely within a week.

Or do you get sick too often? On average, children get colds about 8 times a year, and adults about 3.

It is also worth paying attention to colds at atypical times of the year, for example, in the summer.

Lastly, be sure to monitor your symptoms. If you have a severe fever, or if it is accompanied by a rash or any other symptoms that are not typical for a cold, consult your doctor.

Source : healthinfo.ua

What are you thinking about?

Source: http://informat.com.ua/5-chrezvychajno-opasnyh-boleznej-simptomy-kotoryh-pohozhi-na-prostudu/

How not to confuse ARVI with a more dangerous disease

The child has a fever, coughs, and feels weak. Seeing the baby’s illness, parents begin to worry and try to treat it themselves. Should I self-medicate or is it better to see a doctor?

Pay attention to symptoms

Typically, ARVI is manifested by a cough, runny nose, sore throat and general malaise. Temperatures up to 39 degrees can last from two to five days. When taking antipyretics, the child begins to play and eat, although not as actively as usual.

In cases where weakness, headache and fever do not go away even after taking medications, you should be vigilant. Symptoms such as shortness of breath, rapid and noisy breathing, and an increase in temperature up to 40 degrees are a red flag indicating a serious illness.

It is worth sounding the alarm when a rash appears on the child’s skin that does not disappear when pressed with glass, nausea, vomiting, upset stool, and signs of dehydration. The absence of a runny nose and cough at a high temperature is also an unkind symptom.

When determining ARVI, it is important to exclude the presence of pyelonephritis, tonsillitis, meningitis and a number of other dangerous diseases. To do this, it is recommended to contact a therapist or specialized specialist in a timely manner: pediatrician, ENT specialist, infectious disease specialist.

What is not recommended to do during ARVI?

One of the main recommendations of pediatricians for ARVI is to drink plenty of warm drinks and regularly ventilate the room where the baby is. The surest tactic when signs of a cold appear is to stay at home, call a doctor, and then follow his recommendations.

Where to go for help

Preserving the health of a child is a responsible task. One careless step, failure to get vaccinated in a timely manner, self-medication for alarming symptoms, or ignoring doctor’s recommendations can lead to disastrous consequences.

At the Orinmed clinic you can find competent help and support from experienced doctors. The center’s specialists are available at any convenient time; it is possible to call a doctor at home. If signs of ARVI appear, contact the clinic's pediatrician. He will carefully examine the child, rule out dangerous diseases, and prescribe effective treatment.

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How to recognize dangerous diseases and not confuse them with a common cold

may well lead to serious complications and even death.

In the Express publication, British doctors spoke about the first symptoms of blood cancer. According to them, at the very beginning of the disease, a person may have a complete illusion that he has a cold. This impression appears due to completely harmless cough, elevated body temperature and severe weakness.

The acute infectious disease mononucleosis, which is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus or cytomegalovirus, is often confused with the flu. At the very beginning, characteristic weakness, sore throat and fever are observed.

If the sick person does not find out his diagnosis in time, deciding to suffer a “cold” on his feet, then immunodeficiency may subsequently develop and the liver may be affected.

A clear sign of a dangerous disease is the characteristic palpable inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck and other parts of the body. If they appear, then this is a reason to urgently consult a doctor.

Another dangerous infection that masquerades as a cold is meningitis. It also begins with fever and weakness, and continues with inflammation of the membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord. You can suspect meningitis even without tests or a doctor.

It will be indicated by increased sensitivity to light and rigidity (stiffness) of the neck muscles. If these signs are observed, then you need to urgently call a doctor. Meningitis is a deadly disease that has two forms - viral and bacterial.

And they are treated differently.

Next on the list of hidden ones is pneumonia. It starts out like a common cold, mild and unobtrusive, when a person continues to go to work, absolutely confident that everything will pass, just drink chamomile and honey and support the body with a heavy dose of vitamin C. And it even seems to go away.

It will not be possible to cope with it without the help of doctors and powerful antibiotics.

The harsh brother of ARVI - bronchitis is caused by the same viruses, but with it the cough lasts much longer - about three weeks. And if you don’t treat it or try to carry it on your feet, it often turns into pneumonia.

No less confusion arises among children. What parents often mistake for a strange form of cold is roseola. It occurs only in children and is characterized by fever. There are no other signs of any disease.

The mystery disease keeps a high temperature without responding to antipyretics. On the fourth day, the temperature returns to normal as if on its own, and then pale pink rash spots with a diameter of 3-5 mm begin to appear on the back, stomach and chest, and after two days they disappear.

Roseola is caused by herpes virus type 6 and is transmitted by airborne droplets.

Sometimes allergies are also mistaken for a cold, because the symptoms are very similar: the sick person has a stuffy nose, a runny nose, coughing and sneezing, and the temperature can rise up to 40 degrees. Self-medication in this case is dangerous; it is prescribed depending on the allergen and the severity of the disease; You may need hospital treatment.

Such a dangerous complication as immobility can occur if polio, which affects the central nervous system (spinal cord), is not recognized in a timely manner. Children are most often affected, but sometimes adults also get sick. Moreover, the source can be either a patient or an asymptomatic virus carrier.

And at the very beginning, polio looks like a common cold - with a sore throat, fever, poor health and intestinal dysfunction. The fact that it is not her, but a much more serious problem, is indicated by pain when moving in the arms and legs.

Mild forms of polio are asymptomatic; severe cases result in disability or death.

Based on materials from medikforum.ru

Source: https://www.province.ru/sovet/kak-raspoznat-opasnye-bolezni-.html

Symptoms of a cold: how not to confuse it with other diseases? Treating the first signs of a cold

The best defense against a cold is timely prevention, but sometimes, despite all our efforts, a cold still overcomes us. The fact is that microorganisms and viruses can live on untreated surfaces for up to 18 hours (until the virus finds its host).

Viruses and bacteria penetrate the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes, spreading through the air through coughing, sneezing and even simple talking.

You may not be able to completely prevent the common cold, but there are several ways to ease symptoms and speed recovery (including frequent hand washing).

Steps

Part 1

Take immediate action

If your throat starts to hurt, gargle with salt water.
Rinsing with salt water will help reduce inflammation and flush out mucus and phlegm. To dilute salt in water, add 2.5 g of salt (1/2 teaspoon) to a glass of warm water, then gargle with this solution for 30 seconds. After rinsing, spit out the water, being careful not to swallow anything.

Take a hot shower to relieve nasal congestion.
A feeling of stuffiness and heaviness in the nose greatly worsens the course of a cold. To get rid of congestion, stand under a hot shower and stand there for a while - the steam will help relieve the severity.

1. Use a saline nasal spray if you have a runny nose.
   Saline sprays are made from salt water and are intended for spraying into the nasal cavity to treat a runny nose. To prevent and treat a runny nose and congestion, use a saline nasal spray. You will immediately feel relief.

   • Continue using the nasal spray every day until you feel better.

2. To maintain optimal air humidity, turn on a humidifier.
   The moisture in the air helps loosen snot and mucus, allowing you to avoid congestion and heaviness. Place a humidifier in your bedroom to keep the air moist while you sleep. Also place a humidifier in other rooms where you spend a lot of time.

   • Make sure to change your humidifier filter frequently because a dirty filter can cause problems with your respiratory system. Read your humidifier's instruction manual to ensure you know exactly when to change the filter.

3. If possible, skip school or work.
   It can be quite difficult to ensure that you rest and drink enough water when you are working or studying. If you are able, stay home and focus on getting better so your condition does not get worse.

   • If you decide to take a day off from work, contact your boss by phone or email as soon as possible. Let them know that you are sick and will not be able to attend, and apologize for the inconvenience. In addition, you can contact a therapist and get a sick leave.
   • If you feel like your boss is hesitant to give you a day off, ask if there is an opportunity to work remotely that day (if your specialty allows it).

Part 3

Take medications and supplements

1. Take paracetamol or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) if you have a sore throat, headache or high fever.

   Paracetamol belongs to the group of NSAIDs that have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects, thereby reducing the manifestation of cold symptoms.

   Follow the dosage recommendations (in the leaflet for the drug) and do not take a dosage that exceeds the daily allowance.

   • It must be said that paracetamol and other NSAIDs do not fight ARVI (colds), but only weaken the symptoms, but they help control your condition, so you can focus on recovery.
   • Other common NSAIDs: ibuprofen, aspirin, nurofen, naproxen.
   • Paracetamol is also contained in the combination drugs Brustan and Gevadal.

2. To relieve coughing and remove phlegm, try mucolytic or antihistamine medications.
   Over-the-counter antihistamines and mucolytics can help relieve coughs and clear phlegm. Before use, be sure to read the instructions for the drug and do not mix several medications at once, otherwise you may accidentally exceed the recommended dosage.

   • Do not give mucolytics or antihistamines to children under 5 years of age.
   • If you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, or kidney disease, be careful when taking over-the-counter medications. Always read the drug label first and consult your doctor before starting a new drug.

3. To help your body fight infection faster, take vitamin C or echinacea supplements.
   Although the issue is still considered controversial, studies have shown that vitamin C and echinacea supplements help reduce the severity and duration of colds. Since these supplements are not harmful to the body, try taking them and see if they help you fight your cold.

   • Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) powder helps shorten the duration of a cold.
   • Before you start taking the drug, read the information about potential interactions between different drugs and their side effects (in the drug leaflet). If you have any medical conditions, consult your doctor before taking any medication or herbal treatment.

The common cold
is the collective name for a large group of acute respiratory infections, manifested by catarrhal inflammation of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and very diverse symptoms.

The common cold is so widespread that it firmly holds the lead as a cause of morbidity, and according to WHO statistics, over the course of a year, adults manage to get it three times, teenagers four times, children of primary school age get the cold about five times, and preschoolers get colds even more often - six times.

The frequency of colds is explained by the human body’s susceptibility to infectious agents – viruses of various types.

An equally important reason for the rapid spread of the disease among people is our own frivolous attitude towards the onset of the disease.

Most often, a cold spreads through droplets of liquid released by a sick person when coughing, talking, or sneezing (airborne).

Causes of colds

The cold is a highly contagious infection that easily spreads between people through even a minimal amount of pathogens that enter the covering membranes of the respiratory tract. This contagiousness is explained by the tropism (affinity) of the viral agent for the tissues of the human body.

Invading the epithelial lining of the nose, viruses penetrate the cell nucleus, integrate into its structures, feed on it, actively multiply, causing many disorders both in damaged tissues and throughout the body.

Currently, about 200 viral varieties are known that belong to the respiratory group, capable of damaging the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and causing a complex of changes that we know as the common cold.

Contact with pathogenic microorganisms does not necessarily cause a cold; the disease may not develop if the immune system is in good condition.

Healthy mucous membranes are able to independently protect themselves from viral invasion, while a decrease in local immunity of the nasal passages, nasopharynx, and pharynx contributes to infection and further development of infection.

The main reason for the decrease in local resistance is hypothermia, but there are others: prolonged stay in smoky or dusty rooms, the presence of chronic diseases, a sedentary or even predominantly sedentary lifestyle, general weakening due to prolonged stress, etc.

In general, a cold develops in the presence of two mandatory conditions - contact with a pathogen and a person’s predisposition to infection at the moment.

Firstly, you need to take care of the state of the body’s immune defense, for this you should develop the correct work and rest schedule, normalize nutrition, maintain an acceptable microclimate in your home, and support the body with immunomodulators during seasonal outbreaks of colds.

Secondly, you should avoid contact with sick people, do not hesitate to wear protective masks in crowded places during mass diseases, use “invisible masks” - special sprays and ointments that create a protective film, impenetrable to viruses, on the surface of the nasal passages and pharynx.

An important factor in the spread of the disease is the frequency of contacts of sick people with healthy people; It is this that is most often ignored, leading to a rapid increase in the incidence of colds.

First signs of a cold

The prevailing belief that a cold begins with an increase in body temperature is a misconception. There are always symptoms that signal the initial inflammatory process at the site of pathogen penetration, but they are so rarely paid attention to.

Few people have thought about the feeling of slight itching in the upper palate, and this is nothing more than a sign of damage to the mucous membranes.

True, viruses are uncomfortable there; they will quickly move to the pharynx, where they will not feel the protective effects of saliva; banal salt or soda rinses could stop the pathogenic process already at this stage if we were more attentive to our own sensations.

Against the backdrop of normal well-being, did it seem as if a fluff in your nose was tickling? You can rest assured that this is the first sign of a cold, especially if clear nasal discharge appears that was not there before.

Mild nasal congestion can occur in many situations, for example, when moving from a warm room to a cold one, or when inhaling irritating odors, but normally the nose quickly adapts to new conditions and the congestion decreases or disappears altogether. If it gets worse every hour, it’s most likely a cold.

Nasal congestion is caused by inflammation of the mucous membranes with further swelling, narrowing the lumen of the nasal passages.

Even with mild congestion, the thin ducts that drain tear fluid from the inner corner of the eye into the lower nasal passage are compressed, this leads to overflow of the lacrimal sac located under the skin, and the eyes take on a slightly swollen appearance. Outwardly this is noticeable, but few would think of suspecting the first sign of a cold on this basis alone.

One sneeze is the norm; this is the mechanism for cleansing the airways from all kinds of foreign impurities present in the air. But when sneezing is frequent, leading to tears in your eyes, this is most likely also the first sign of a cold.

• Mild itching, a slight burning sensation or a feeling of dryness in the throat, and slight difficulty swallowing can also signal that a cold is starting.
• The rise in body temperature begins gradually, therefore it remains unnoticed for some time, we begin to worry only in the presence of general weakness and slight chills; As a rule, the thermometer at this moment already reaches 37.4°C.
• This variability in the primary symptoms of a cold is explained by the selective introduction of various viral strains into the most suitable areas of the mucous membranes and some differences in viral toxins, but without treatment, a cold will still result in three main complaints: runny nose, cough, fever.

Cold symptoms

In the advanced stage, a cold manifests itself with abundant symptoms, but more often it begins with rhinorrhea (runny nose) - copious clear discharge from the nose caused by the irritating effect of an infectious agent. As inflammation increases, nasal congestion occurs; in general, this is a picture of catarrhal rhinitis.

Rhinorrhea can be so severe that it leads to maceration of the skin around the nose and the formation of small cracks, burning and soreness in these areas.

Subsequently, the mucus becomes thicker, acquires viscosity, and becomes cloudy; usually this is a favorable sign, indicating that the inflammatory process has subsided and recovery is imminent, but it may also indicate that the cold has been complicated by the addition of bacterial flora.

A stuffy nose causes a lot of inconvenience because it makes breathing difficult, forces you to breathe through your mouth, and often disrupts sleep.

Mucus, which is formed in large quantities, cannot be released through the narrowed nasal passages, so it flows down the back wall of the pharynx and pharynx, where it dries out, creating the most favorable conditions for the multiplication of the virus and the development of laryngitis, pharyngitis, and a sore throat and cough are inevitable.

Source: https://hackyou.ru/simptomy-prostudy-kak-ne-pereputat-ee-s-drugimi-zabolevaniyami-lechim-pervye-priznaki-prostudy/