Orvi - treatment of acute respiratory viral infections. Orvi: symptoms and treatment at home

SARS (acute respiratory viral infection) diagnosed at least once in almost every person. This condition, popularly referred to as the "cold", is caused by airborne viruses.
There is the so-called “cold season”, this is spring and autumn - a time when immunity is at zero, and a weakened body becomes more susceptible to viruses and bacteria.
ARVI (acute respiratory viral infection) is a fairly large group of viral diseases that have almost the same type of features, as well as a similar picture of the course of the disease. These respiratory viral infections can be provoked by viruses, and with inadequate treatment, the bacterial flora joins.

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Spread of disease

In terms of incidence, it is in the top three. SARS is spread all over the world. For a year, on average, an adult can get sick three to six times. Whole epidemics can occur in the spring and winter periods, since the method of transmission "through the air" involves infecting the body even with minimal contact.
Viruses are localized, as a rule, in the upper respiratory tract, which allows them to be attributed to a single group of diseases.
If ARVI is not treated in time, the infection will spread further along the respiratory tract and complications such as:

• - inflammation of the nasal mucosa;
• - inflammation of the pharynx;
• - inflammation of the larynx;
• - inflammation of the trachea, etc.

At the moment, scientists have recorded more than 140 types of viruses that cause SARS.

In adults, the number of cases of acute respiratory viral infections is significantly lower than in children and adolescents, however, if the patient has chronic diseases, cardiac disorders or allergies, then the frequency of diseases increases.
Once in the human body, the virus settles in the nose or throat, in the absence of adequate treatment, descends lower, aggravating the course of the disease.

Causes

Since the viruses that cause SARS are quite resistant to the external environment and are transmitted by airborne droplets, it becomes clear that it is very easy to get infected, it is enough to be in a crowded place: a store, public transport, at work or a cafe.

The main reason for the entry of a virus or bacteria into the body of an adult is a decrease in immunity.

Weak immunity is not a barrier to infection, as it is simply unable not only to resist them, but even to identify "offenders". Therefore, an adult often suffers SARS "on his feet", without fever, complaining of weakness, headaches and muscle pain.

The source of infection is always a human carrier of the virus.

Sometimes the picture of the disease is erased, but the infection, entering the body of another person, can manifest itself with all the ensuing consequences.

SARS symptoms in adults

Often in the initial stages of ARVI in adults, they are confused with fatigue or just a headache.

However, if you carefully listen to yourself, then the presence of several symptoms will reveal a picture of the disease:

• Malaise - weakness in the muscles and aching joints, I want to lie down all the time;
• drowsiness - constantly sleepy, no matter how long a person sleeps;
• runny nose - at first not strong, just like a clear liquid from the nose. Most attribute this to a sharp change in temperature (I went from the cold into a warm room, and condensation appeared in my nose);
• chills - discomfort when touching the skin;
• sore throat - it can be expressed as a tickle, and a tingling sensation or even pain in the neck.

Since ARVI develops very quickly, within 4-6 hours the following are added to these symptoms:

• An increase in temperature - this is how the body turns on a protective reaction in the fight against infection;
• headache - feeling as if the head is splitting;
• nasal congestion.

Types of SARS

There are several types of this disease, which, although they have many similar features, still differ from each other.

Adenovirus infection is characterized by:

• , which lasts from five to ten days;
• strong wet cough, aggravated in a horizontal position and with increased physical activity;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• runny nose;
• sore throat when swallowing.

Influenza has a sharp course of the disease. When a virus, the causative agent of influenza, enters, it immediately begins:

• Very high temperature;
• causing pain in the chest;
• sore throat;
• runny nose;
• dizziness and sometimes loss of consciousness.

Parainfluenza is milder than flu, but this fact does not make it any more pleasant:

• The main danger of this infection is croup (suffocation), which occurs due to a strong narrowing of the larynx;
• the temperature is not high, fluctuates around 37-38 degrees;
• dry cough;
• severe runny nose.

RS infection. Its symptoms, in general, are similar to parainfluenza, but its danger is that, as a result of untimely treatment, it can.
ARVI is diagnosed quite easily, and the specific type of this disease is specified, taking into account the epidemiological situation in the region and individual symptoms in a particular patient.
It will not be difficult for an experienced doctor to determine the presence of the disease, however, for a more accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to pass a general blood and urine test. The source of infection is determined by the number of red blood cells, platelets, as well as urinalysis.

Methods for the treatment of SARS

In the case of a virus, no special medication is required for treatment. Treatment is symptomatic in most cases. And be sure to drink plenty of water.

If a bacterium is found in the blood, then this is an occasion to use antibiotics to prevent the aggravation of the course of the disease.
In the acute course of ARVI, the patient is prescribed drugs based on interferon, as well as complex drugs (such as Rinza, Teraflu). Vasoconstrictor drugs can be dripped into the nose. To reduce the volume of sputum, it is advisable to take antihistamines (Zodak, Zirtek).

You should always remember that self-medication is dangerous for health, and if the symptoms of SARS do not disappear or even increase, it is better to consult a specialist.

If a blood test shows a significant increase in leukocytes plus a decrease in the content of lymphocytes in the blood, and all this against the background of a high ESR, this is an indicator of a bacterial infection in the body.

This type of infection is treated with antibiotics.
In addition, there are a number of cases in which even a viral infection is stopped with antibacterial drugs:

• The presence of a purulent infection;
• inflammation of the middle ear;
• concomitant chronic diseases;
• weakened immunity (for example, after surgery or against the background of certain diseases).

During the height of SARS, namely, the autumn-winter period, leaving the house, you should treat the nasal mucosa with oxolinic ointment.

In case of infection with SARS, it is necessary to withstand at least two weeks of quarantine to eliminate the risk of re-infection.


In the initial stages, self-medication is permissible, which consists in taking antiviral and antipyretic drugs, as well as in consuming large amounts of fluid. But it should be remembered that a prolonged "cold" is an occasion to contact a therapist to obtain a competent treatment regimen.

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Acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) is a group of acute infectious diseases caused by RNA and DNA-containing viruses and characterized by damage to various parts of the respiratory tract, intoxication, and frequent addition of bacterial complications.

SARS is the most common disease, including in children. Even in non-epidemic years, the recorded incidence of SARS is many times higher than the incidence of all major infectious diseases. During pandemics, more than 30% of the world's population is involved in the epidemic process in 9-10 months, more than half of them are children. The incidence among children of different age groups may differ depending on the properties of the virus that caused the epidemic. However, in most cases, the highest incidence rate is observed in children from 3 to 14 years. SARS often occur with complications (the addition of inflammatory processes in the bronchi, lungs, paranasal sinuses, etc.) and cause exacerbations of chronic diseases. Transferred SARS usually do not leave behind a long-term stable immunity. In addition, the lack of cross-immunity, as well as a large number of serotypes of ARVI pathogens, contribute to the development of the disease in the same child several times a year. Repeated SARS lead to a decrease in the overall resistance of the body, the development of transient immunodeficiency states, a delay in physical and psychomotor development, cause allergization, prevent preventive vaccinations, etc. The economic losses caused by ARVI are also very significant, both direct (treatment and rehabilitation of a sick child) and indirect (associated with the disability of parents). All the circumstances listed above explain the priority of this problem for the health care of any country.

ETIOLOGY

The causative agents of ARVI can be influenza viruses (types A, B, C), parainfluenza (4 types), adenovirus (more than 40 serotypes), RSV (2 serovars), rheo- and rhinoviruses (113 serovars). Most pathogens are RNA viruses, with the exception of adenovirus, the virion of which includes DNA. Reo- and adenoviruses are able to persist in the environment for a long time, the rest quickly die when dried, under the action of UV radiation, conventional disinfectants.

In addition to the ARVI pathogens listed above, some of the diseases in this group may be caused by enteroviruses such as Coxsackie and ECHO. The clinical characteristics of these infections are described in the Enteroviral infections caused by Coxsackie and ECHO viruses section of the Enteroviral infections chapter.

EPIDEMIOLOGY

Children of any age get sick. The source of infection is a sick person. Ways of transmission of infection - airborne and contact-household (less often). The natural susceptibility of children to SARS is high. Patients are most contagious during the first week of illness. ARVI is characterized by seasonality - the peak incidence occurs in the cold season. After the transferred disease, type-specific immunity is formed. SARS are ubiquitous. Large epidemics of influenza occur on average once every 3 years, they are usually caused by new strains of the virus, but it is possible to recirculate strains similar in antigenic composition after several years of their absence. With ARVI of a different etiology, sporadic cases and small outbreaks in children's groups are mainly recorded, there are practically no epidemics.

PATHOGENESIS

The entry gates of infection are most often the upper respiratory tract, less often the conjunctiva of the eyes and the digestive tract. All ARVI pathogens are epitheliotropic. Viruses are adsorbed (fixed) on epithelial cells, penetrate into their cytoplasm, where they undergo enzymatic disintegration. Subsequent reproduction of the pathogen leads to dystrophic changes in cells and an inflammatory reaction of the mucous membrane at the site of the entrance gate. Each disease from the ARVI group has distinctive features in accordance with the tropism of certain viruses to certain parts of the respiratory system. Influenza viruses, RSV and adenoviruses can affect the epithelium of both the upper and lower respiratory tract with the development of bronchitis, bronchiolitis and airway obstruction syndrome, with rhinovirus infection mainly

the epithelium of the nasal cavity is affected, and with parainfluenza - the larynx. In addition, adenoviruses have a tropism for lymphoid tissue and epithelial cells of the conjunctival mucosa.

Through damaged epithelial barriers, ARVI pathogens enter the bloodstream. The severity and duration of the viremia phase depends on the degree of dystrophic changes in the epithelium, the prevalence of the process, the state of local and humoral immunity, the premorbid background and the age of the child, as well as on the characteristics of the pathogen. Cell decay products that enter the blood along with viruses have toxic and toxic-allergic effects. The toxic effect is mainly directed to the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system. Due to microcirculation disorders, hemodynamic disorders occur in various organs and systems. In the presence of previous sensitization, the development of allergic and autoallergic reactions is possible.

The defeat of the epithelium of the respiratory tract leads to a violation of its barrier function and contributes to the attachment of the bacterial flora with the development of complications.

CLINICAL PICTURE

Intoxication and fever are most pronounced with influenza. Parainfluenza occurs with less pronounced intoxication and short-term viremia, but is dangerous, especially for young children, due to the frequent development of false croup. Adenovirus infection is distinguished by gradually descending damage to the respiratory tract, reproduction of the virus not only in the epithelium, but also in the lymphoid tissue, prolonged viremia, some virus serotypes (40, 41) can multiply in enterocytes with the development of diarrhea. RSV affects the small bronchi and bronchioles, which leads to impaired ventilation of the lungs and contributes to the occurrence of atelectasis and pneumonia.

There is no generally accepted classification of SARS in children. According to the severity of the course, mild, moderate, severe and hypertoxic forms are distinguished (the latter is isolated from influenza). The severity of the disease is determined by the severity of symptoms of intoxication and catarrhal phenomena.

Flu

The duration of the incubation period ranges from several hours to 1-2 days. A feature of the initial period of influenza is the predominance of symptoms of intoxication over catarrhal ones. In typical cases, the disease begins acutely, without a prodromal period, with an increase in body temperature up to 39-40 ° C, chills, dizziness, general weakness, and a feeling of weakness. In children of early

age intoxication is manifested by fever, lethargy, adynamia, loss of appetite. Older children complain of headache, photophobia, pain in the eyeballs, abdomen, muscles, joints, a feeling of weakness, sore throat, burning behind the sternum, sometimes vomiting and meningeal signs appear. Catarrhal phenomena at the height of the disease are usually moderately expressed and are limited to dry cough, sneezing, scanty mucous discharge from the nose, moderate hyperemia of the mucous membrane of the pharynx, "graininess" of the posterior pharyngeal wall. Sometimes pinpoint hemorrhages are found on the soft palate. Slight flushing of the face and injection of sclera vessels are often observed, less often - nosebleeds. Tachycardia and muffled heart sounds are noted. With severe toxicosis, transient changes in the urinary system (microalbuminuria, microhematuria, decreased diuresis) are observed.

The condition of patients improves from the 3-4th day of illness: body temperature becomes lower, intoxication decreases, catarrhal phenomena can persist and even intensify, they finally disappear after 1.5-2 weeks. A characteristic feature of influenza is prolonged asthenia during convalescence, manifested by weakness, fatigue, sweating and other symptoms that persist for several days, sometimes weeks.

In severe cases, it is possible to develop hemorrhagic bronchitis and pneumonia that occur within a few hours. Sometimes within 2 days from the onset of the disease, a progressive increase in dyspnea and cyanosis, hemoptysis, and the development of pulmonary edema are observed. This is how fulminant viral or mixed viral-bacterial pneumonia manifests itself, often ending in death.

Indicators of the general blood test: from the 2-3rd day of illness - leukopenia, neutropenia, lymphocytosis with normal ESR.

parainfluenza

The duration of the incubation period is 2-7 days, on average 2-4 days. The disease begins acutely with a moderate increase in body temperature, catarrhal phenomena and minor intoxication. In the next 3-4 days, all symptoms increase. Body temperature usually does not exceed 38-38.5 ° C, rarely remaining at this level for more than 1 week.

Catarrhal inflammation of the upper respiratory tract is a constant symptom of parainfluenza from the first days of illness. They note a dry, rough "barking" cough, hoarseness and a change in the timbre of the voice, soreness and pain behind the sternum, sore throat, runny nose. Discharge from the nose are serous-mucous. Examination of the patient reveals hyperemia and

swelling of the tonsils, palatine arches, graininess of the mucous membrane of the posterior pharyngeal wall. Often the first manifestation of parainfluenza in children 2-5 years old is croup syndrome. Suddenly, more often at night, there is a rough "barking" cough, hoarseness of voice, noisy breathing, i.e. stenosis of the larynx develops (see the chapter "Acute obstruction of the upper respiratory tract"). Sometimes these symptoms appear on the 2-3rd day of illness. In young children with parainfluenza, not only the upper, but also the lower respiratory tract can be affected; in this case, a picture of obstructive bronchitis develops. With an uncomplicated course of parainfluenza, the duration of the disease is 7-10 days.

adenovirus infection

The incubation period is from 2 to 12 days. The main clinical forms of adenovirus infection in children are pharyngo-conjunctival fever, rhinopharyngitis, rhinopharyngotonsillitis, conjunctivitis and keratoconjunctivitis, pneumonia. The disease begins acutely with fever, cough, runny nose. Fever in typical cases lasts 6 days or more, sometimes it is two-wave. Intoxication is expressed moderately. Permanent symptoms of adenovirus infection - pronounced catarrhal phenomena with a significant exudative component, rhinitis with profuse serous-mucous discharge, granular pharyngitis, rhinopharyngitis, rhinopharyngotonsillitis, tonsillitis with swelling of the tonsils (often with fibrinous overlays), wet cough, polylymphadenopathy, less often enlargement of the liver and spleen. At the height of the disease, signs of laryngitis, tracheitis, and bronchitis are observed. The pathognomonic symptom of adenovirus infection is conjunctivitis (catarrhal, follicular, membranous). The process often involves the conjunctiva of one eye, mainly the lower eyelid (Fig. 19-1 on the insert). After 1-2 days, conjunctivitis of the other eye occurs. In young children (up to 2 years), diarrhea and abdominal pain are often observed due to damage to the mesenteric lymph nodes.

Adenovirus infection proceeds for a rather long time, possibly an undulating course associated with a new localization of the pathological process. Some serotypes of adenoviruses, in particular 1st, 2nd and 5th, can be stored in the tonsils in a latent state for a long time.

Respiratory syncytial infection

The incubation period is from 2 to 7 days. In older children, respiratory syncytial infection usually occurs as a mild catarrhal disease, less often as an acute

bronchitis. Body temperature is subfebrile, intoxication is not expressed. Rhinitis and pharyngitis are observed. In young children, especially the first year of life, the lower respiratory tract is often affected - bronchiolitis develops, which occurs with broncho-obstructive syndrome. The disease begins gradually with damage to the mucous membranes of the nose, the appearance of a scanty viscous discharge, moderate hyperemia of the pharynx, palatine arches, posterior pharyngeal wall against the background of normal or subfebrile body temperature. Note frequent sneezing. Then a dry cough joins, which becomes obsessive, somewhat reminiscent of whooping cough (see the chapter "Whooping cough and parapertussis"); at the end of a coughing fit, thick, tenacious sputum is produced. As the small bronchi and bronchioles are involved in the pathological process, the phenomena of respiratory failure increase. Breathing becomes more noisy, shortness of breath increases, mainly of an expiratory nature. Indrawing of compliant parts of the chest during inspiration is noted, cyanosis increases, short periods of apnea are possible. In the lungs, a large number of scattered medium and fine bubbling rales are heard, emphysema is growing. In most cases, the total duration of the disease is at least 10-12 days, in some patients the process becomes protracted, accompanied by relapses.

In the general blood test, pronounced changes are usually not detected. The content of leukocytes is normal, there may be a slight shift of the leukocyte formula to the left, ESR is within normal limits.

Rhinovirus infection

The duration of the incubation period is 1-6 days, on average 2-3 days. Rhinovirus infection proceeds without severe intoxication and fever, accompanied by abundant serous-mucous discharge from the nose. The severity of the condition is usually determined by the number of handkerchiefs used per day. Discharge during rhinovirus infection is very abundant, which leads to maceration of the skin around the nasal passages. Along with rhinorrhea, dry cough, hyperemia of the eyelids, and lacrimation are often observed. Complications rarely develop.

COMPLICATIONS

Complications in acute respiratory viral infections can occur at any time of the disease and are due to both the direct influence of the pathogen and the addition of bacterial microflora. The most common complications of SARS are pneumonia, bronchitis and bronchiolitis. The second most common place is occupied by sinusitis, otitis media, frontal sinusitis and sinusitis. to severe complications, especially in

children of early age, acute stenosis of the larynx (false croup) should be attributed. Less common are neurological complications - meningitis, meningoencephalitis, neuritis, polyradiculoneuritis. With high fever and pronounced intoxication with influenza, cerebral reactions are possible that proceed according to the type of meningeal and convulsive syndromes. Severe forms of influenza may be accompanied by the appearance of a hemorrhagic syndrome (hemorrhages on the skin and mucous membranes, increased bleeding, etc.). At the height of intoxication phenomena, functional disturbances in the activity of the heart are possible, sometimes the development of myocarditis. SARS in children of any age can occur with complications such as urinary tract infection, cholangitis, pancreatitis, septicopyemia, mesadenitis.

DIAGNOSTICS

The diagnosis of ARVI is made on the basis of the clinical picture of the disease. The severity and dynamics of the appearance of the main clinical symptoms (fever, intoxication, catarrhal phenomena from the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, physical changes in the lungs) and epidemiological data are taken into account.

For laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis, rapid methods are widely used - RIF and PCR, which make it possible to determine the Ag of respiratory viruses in the cylindrical epithelium of the nasal passages (in "imprints" from the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity). Less commonly used is the method of determining viral neuraminidase activity in reactions with a specific substrate (to detect the influenza virus). Virological and serological [study of paired sera at the onset of the disease and during the period of convalescence using ELISA, complement fixation test (RCC), hemagglutination inhibition test (HITA)] methods have a retrospective value.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

Distinctive clinical signs of these infections are presented in table. 19-1.

TREATMENT

Treatment of patients with SARS is usually carried out at home. Hospitalization is indicated only for severe or complicated course of the disease. The volume of therapeutic measures is determined by the severity of the condition and the nature of the pathology. During the period of fever, bed rest must be observed. Traditionally, in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, symptomatic (plentiful warm drinks, good nutrition), desensitizing (chloropyramine,

Table 19-1.Differential diagnosis of various acute respiratory viral infections

* According to Gasparyan M.O. et al., 1994.

clemastine, cyproheptadine) and antipyretics (paracetamol, ibuprofen) agents. Acetylsalicylic acid is contraindicated in children (risk of developing Reye's syndrome). They use expectorants (marshmallow medicinal extract, ambroxol, bromhexine, etc.), vitamins, complex preparations [paracetamol + chlorphenamine + ascorbic acid ("Antigrippin"), paracetamol + phenylephrine + chlorphenamine ("Lorain"), caffeine + paracetamol + phenylephrine + terpinhydrate + ascorbic acid (Coldrex), etc.]. With severe rhinitis, solutions of ephedrine, naphazoline, xylometazoline, etc. are used intranasally. In case of eye damage, ointments are prescribed (with bromnaphthoquinone ("Bonafton"), "Florenal"). Antibacterial drugs are indicated only in the presence of bacterial complications, the treatment of which is carried out according to the general rules.

Etiotropic therapy has an effect in the early stages of the disease. They use interferon alfa-2 (Grippferon) for intranasal administration, inducers of endogenous interferons α, β and γ (for example, Anaferon for children), amantadine, rimantadine (for influenza A), oseltamivir, oxolinic ointment, anti-influenza γ- globulin, ribavirin, etc.

Complex treatment of patients with severe forms of acute respiratory viral infections, in addition to etiotropic, includes mandatory detoxification pathogenetic therapy. During the period of convalescence, it is desirable to take adaptogens and vitamins that increase immune defense.

PREVENTION

Measures of specific prevention to date remain insufficiently effective. In the epidemic focus, it is recommended to use interferons prophylactically, for example, interferon alfa-2 (Grippferon, 1-2 drops in each nasal passage 3-4 times a day, 3-5 days), inducers of endogenous interferons α, β and γ (for example, "Anaferon for children" - 1 tablet 1 time per day for a course of 1 to 3 months), strictly observe the sanitary and hygienic regime (ventilation, UV radiation and wet cleaning of the room with a weak solution of chloramine, boiling dishes, etc.). Much attention is paid to the activities of the general plan:

The introduction of restrictive measures during the influenza epidemic to reduce crowding (cancellation of mass celebrations, lengthening school holidays, limiting visits to patients in hospitals, etc.);

Prevention of the spread of infection in children's institutions, families (early isolation of the patient is one of the most important measures aimed at stopping the spread of SARS in the team);

Increasing the child's resistance to diseases with the help of hardening procedures, non-specific immunomodulators [appointment of Echinacea purpurea, Arbidol, bacterial lysates of the mixture (IRS-19), Ribomunil];

Preventive vaccinations:

For children under 10 years of age, the vaccine (for example, "Vaxigripp") is administered intramuscularly twice at a dose of 0.25 ml with an interval of 1 month, and over the age of 10 years - once at a dose of 0.5 ml; other specific vaccines are also used: foreign (Influvac, Begrivak, Fluarix) and domestic (Grippol);

Acute respiratory infections (SARS)

a group of viral infectious diseases, the pathogens of which are transmitted by airborne droplets; characterized by damage to the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and pharynx. This group of diseases includes Influenza, parainfluenza, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial and rhinovirus infection.

The source of ARVI pathogens are only people - sick or virus carriers. Transmission of the virus from person to person occurs mainly by airborne droplets; it is also possible through household items (for example, dishes, towels). Most people get SARS every year, sometimes several times. Especially often children get sick, starting from the second half of the year of life (in the first 6 months, congenital, received from the mother during pregnancy, is usually preserved). Children attending kindergartens get ARVI up to 5-10 times a year, which can lead to a significant weakening of their immune system, the development of chronic diseases of the respiratory system, kidneys, ears, paranasal sinuses, allergic diseases, delayed physical and mental development. Adults get sick with SARS more easily and less often, but, carrying them “on their feet”, they are often a source of infection for children.

With all SARS, epithelial cells of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract are affected, which are a barrier to penetration into many microbes, therefore, with SARS, various complications caused by these microbes are possible.

The clinical picture of various SARS is similar. All of them are manifested by an increase in body temperature, general intoxication in combination with cough, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat. The most common complications of SARS are otitis, in children -. SARS can be accompanied by an exacerbation of chronic diseases (nephritis, pyelitis, rheumatism, chronic pneumonia, etc.). At the same time, each of this group has its own characteristics.

parainfluenza infection() is characterized by a predominant lesion of the mucous membrane of the larynx and nose. Individual cases of parainfluenza are observed throughout the year, the incidence rises in the autumn-winter period. Children are more often ill, especially up to 2 years. The incubation (hidden) period is from 2 to 7 days. In adults, the disease begins with a slight malaise, headache, weakness. normal or subfebrile. In children, it can reach 38-39 ° and stay for several days. From the first day of illness appear rough barking, hoarseness, nasal congestion and abundant mucous, and then mucopurulent discharge from the nose. In an uncomplicated course, the disease lasts 7-10 days.

adenovirus infection manifested by fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat when swallowing, swollen lymph nodes, lesions, and sometimes diarrhea. Sick people secrete the pathogen (adenovirus) not only when they cough and, but also with feces, so infection occurs both by airborne droplets and through contaminated household items. Children (from 6 months to 5 years) get sick more often in the cold season. lasts from 3 to 14 days. The first sign of the disease is a rise in body temperature to 38-39 °, and sometimes even higher. Moderate, weakness, loss of appetite are noted, in some patients - abdominal pain, diarrhea. From the very first day of the illness, watery discharge from the nose appears, nasal obstruction. and the mucous membrane of the pharynx are inflamed. Often there is a wet cough. The eye is characteristic, first one, and after 1-2 days - the second. At the same time, pain appears in the eyes, swell, redden. The neck enlarges and becomes painful, sometimes the spleen and enlarge.

Respiratory syncytial infection characterized by a predominant lesion of the bronchi and lungs. Mostly children from 4-5 months are ill. up to 3 years. Among adults and older children, there are isolated cases of the disease. As with other acute respiratory viral infections, the incidence is observed in the cold season. The incubation period lasts from 3 to 7 days. In adults and older children, the general condition is slightly disturbed, the body temperature is normal or does not exceed 38 °. The most characteristic of the disease is a persistent painful dry cough. in the absence of complications lasts up to 10 days. In children under 1 year old, there is a high body temperature, nasal congestion, sneezing, dry cough, which quickly intensifies, becomes paroxysmal, sometimes accompanied by vomiting. In severe cases, there are signs of respiratory failure (increased breathing, blue face, swelling of the wings of the nose), caused by bronchitis or pneumonia.

Rhinovirus infection characterized by a predominant lesion of the mucous membrane of the nose and pharynx. Especially often recorded in the autumn-winter period. People of all ages get sick, but more often children visiting and schoolchildren. The incubation period is 2-4 days. The onset of the disease is acute. There is a slight malaise, chilling, fever up to 38 °, nasal congestion, sneezing, sore throat. By the end of the first day, abundant mucous discharge from the nose appears, on the 2-3rd day they become mucopurulent. The acute stage of the disease lasts about 7 days.

The diagnosis of various SARS can be confirmed by special laboratory methods. The vast majority of patients are treated at home. At the same time, it is better to place a patient with ARVI in a separate room or fence off his bed with a screen. The room is systematically ventilated, wet cleaning is carried out daily. The patient is given a separate dish. During the entire period of elevated body temperature, patients must comply with bed rest. A special diet is not required, but pickles, spicy seasonings, and fried foods should be excluded. It is advisable to drink plenty of water: tea with honey, raspberry or lingonberry jam, warm milk, fruit drinks, compotes. Desirable fruits and C and group B in age dosages. Useful inhalations with menthol, eucalyptus oil. A good effect is given by the use of an inhaler (camphomen, inhalipt, etc.), thermal procedures (, mustard foot, rubbing with camphor alcohol, turpentine ointment). At high body temperature, acetylsalicylic acid, analgin, from the common cold, antitussive and leukocyte are used. Antibiotics are not effective for ARVI either, they should be used only as directed by a doctor if complications are present or threatened.

The prognosis of the disease is favorable, but in young children, severe complications are possible. Persons who have had contact with patients with acute respiratory viral infections are prescribed leukocyte interferon. When caring for the sick, it is necessary to wear a gauze bandage that covers the nose as well. Hardening procedures are of great preventive importance.

1. Small medical encyclopedia. - M.: Medical Encyclopedia. 1991-96 2. First aid. - M.: Great Russian Encyclopedia. 1994 3. Encyclopedic dictionary of medical terms. - M.: Soviet Encyclopedia. - 1982-1984.

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ARVI (acute respiratory viral infection) is a respiratory disease caused by a viral infection entering the body. The route of transmission of viruses is airborne. People with a weakened immune system are most prone to contracting an acute infection during the cold season, this happens especially often.

To provide the patient with quality care, the doctor prescribes drugs with a complex spectrum of action. Next, we will consider what kind of disease it is, what are the causes and symptoms in adults, and how to treat SARS for a quick recovery of the body.

What is SARS?

SARS are airborne infections caused by viral pathogens that mainly affect the respiratory system. Outbreaks of respiratory viral infections occur all year round, but the epidemic is more often observed in autumn and winter, especially in the absence of high-quality prevention and quarantine measures to detect cases of infection.

During periods of peak incidence of acute respiratory viral infections, ARVI is diagnosed in 30% of the world's population, respiratory viral infections are many times higher in frequency than other infectious diseases.

The difference between ARVI and ARI at first glance is insignificant. However, there may be a virus (influenza) or a bacterium (streptococcus), the causative agent of ARVI is only a virus.

Causes

SARS are caused by a variety of viruses belonging to different genera and families. They are united by a pronounced affinity for the cells of the epithelium lining the respiratory tract. Acute respiratory viral infections can be caused by different types of viruses:

• flu,
• parainfluenza,
• adenoviruses,
• rhinoviruses,
• 2 serovars RSV,
• reoviruses.

Entering the body through the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract or the conjunctiva of the eyes, viruses, having penetrated the epithelial cells, begin to multiply and destroy them. Inflammation occurs at the sites of introduction of viruses.

Source of infection- a sick person, especially if this person is in the initial stage of the disease: feeling unwell and weak until the moment when a person realizes that he is sick, already isolating the virus, he infects his environment - the work team, fellow travelers in public transport, family.

The main route of infection airborne, with small particles of mucus and saliva released when talking, coughing, sneezing.

For the development of ARVI, the concentration of the virus in the environment is of great importance. So, the smaller the number of viruses that enters the mucous membranes, the lower the percentage of the likelihood of developing the disease. A high saturation of viruses persists in a closed room, especially with a large crowd of people. The lowest concentration of viruses, on the contrary, is noted in the fresh air.

Risk factors

Provoking factors contributing to the development of infection:

• hypothermia;
• stress;
• poor nutrition;
• unfavorable ecological situation;
• chronic infections.

It is best to determine how a doctor can treat SARS. Therefore, in the event of the appearance of the first symptoms, it is necessary to call a local therapist or pediatrician.

Incubation period

The incubation period of SARS in adults can last from 1 to 10 days, but mostly it is 3-5 days.

The disease is highly contagious. Viruses enter the mucous membranes by airborne droplets. You can get sick through the touch of hands, dishes, towels, so communication with the patient should be strictly limited.

In order not to infect other family members, the patient must:

• wear a special gauze bandage;
• use only your personal hygiene items;
• process them systematically.

After an illness, immunity does not develop resistance to SARS, which is due to a large number of different viruses and their strains. Moreover, viruses are subject to mutation. This leads to the fact that an adult can get ARVI up to 4 times a year.

If a patient is diagnosed with a disease, he is prescribed antiviral drugs and bed rest until complete recovery.

The first signs of an acute respiratory viral infection

Usually begins with a slight malaise and sore throat. In some people, at this time, an exacerbation of chronic herpes occurs, accompanied by the appearance of characteristic blisters with liquid in the lips.

The first signs of an acute respiratory viral infection will be:

• pain in the eyes;
• increase in general body temperature;
• a situation in which watery eyes and a runny nose;
• sore throat, dryness, irritation, sneezing;
• an increase in the size of the lymph nodes;
• sleep disorders;
• coughing fits;
• voice changes (if the mucous membranes of the larynx are inflamed).

How contagious is SARS for an adult? Experts have found that a person who catches the virus becomes contagious 24 hours before the very first symptoms of the disease are detected.

Thus, if signs of a respiratory infection appeared 2.5 days after the introduction of the pathogen into the body, then a sick person could infect others starting from 1.5 days after communicating with the previous carrier of the virus.

SARS symptoms in adults

Common features of SARS: a relatively short (about a week) incubation period, acute onset, fever, intoxication and catarrhal symptoms. Symptoms of SARS in adults develop rapidly, and the sooner responses to the invasion of the infection are taken and treatment is started, the easier the immune system will cope with the disease.

The main symptoms of SARS in adults and children:

• Malaise - weakness in the muscles and aching joints, I want to lie down all the time;
• drowsiness - constantly sleepy, no matter how long a person sleeps;
• runny nose - at first not strong, just like a clear liquid from the nose. Most attribute this to a sharp change in temperature (I went from the cold into a warm room, and condensation appeared in my nose);
• chills - discomfort when touching the skin;
• sore throat - it can be expressed as a tickle, and a tingling sensation or even pain in the neck.

Depending on the state of the immune system, the symptoms of SARS may increase or decrease. If the protective functions of the respiratory organs are at a high level, it will be very easy to get rid of the virus and the disease will not cause complications.

In addition, if the usual symptoms of SARS do not go away after 7-10 days, then this will also be a reason to consult a specialist (more often an ENT doctor becomes one).

If the patient has chronic diseases, then this can lead to an exacerbation. During the period of exacerbation, diseases develop: bronchial asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis,. They worsen a person's condition and make it difficult to treat.

Symptoms of SARS requiring emergency medical attention:

• temperature above 40 degrees, almost or not responding to taking antipyretic drugs;
• impaired consciousness (confused consciousness, fainting);
• intense headache with inability to bend the neck, bringing the chin to the chest
  the appearance of a rash on the body (asterisks, hemorrhages);
• chest pain when breathing, difficulty inhaling or exhaling, feeling short of breath, coughing up phlegm (pink is more serious);
• prolonged, more than five days of fever;
• the appearance of secretions from the respiratory tract green, brown, mixed with fresh blood;
• pain behind the sternum, not dependent on breathing, swelling.

Complications

If the necessary measures for its treatment are not taken with ARVI, complications may develop, which are expressed in the development of the following diseases and conditions:

• acute sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses with the addition of a purulent infection),
• lowering the infection down the respiratory tract with the formation and,
• spread of infection to the auditory tube with the formation,
• accession of a secondary bacterial infection (for example,),
• exacerbation of foci of chronic infection both in the broncho-pulmonary system and in other organs.

Particularly susceptible to this are the so-called "adult" teenagers who cannot sit at home for a minute. It is necessary to have a conversation with them, because complications after SARS can not only spoil life, there have been cases with a fatal outcome.

Diagnostics

Which doctor will help? If you have or suspect the development of ARVI, you should immediately seek advice from such doctors as a general practitioner, an infectious disease specialist.

For the diagnosis of ARVI, the following examination methods are usually used:

• Examination of the patient;
• Immunofluorescence express diagnostics;
• bacteriological research.

If the patient has developed bacterial complications, then he is referred for a consultation with other specialists - a pulmonologist, an otolaryngologist. If pneumonia is suspected, an X-ray of the lungs is performed. If there are pathological changes in the ENT organs, then the patient is prescribed pharyngoscopy, rhinoscopy, otoscopy.

How to treat SARS in adults?

At the first symptoms of the disease, bed rest is necessary. You need to call a doctor to make a diagnosis, determine the severity of the disease. In the mild and moderate form of ARVI, they are treated at home, the severe form is treated in an infectious diseases hospital.

1. Mode.
2. Decrease in toxicity.
3. Impact on the pathogen - the use of antiviral agents for ARVI.
4. Elimination of the main manifestations - runny nose, sore throat, cough.

Drugs for the treatment of SARS

It is necessary to treat SARS with the help of antiviral drugs, because the main cause of the disease is a virus. From the first hours of the onset of symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections, no later than 48 hours later, they begin to take one of the drugs 2 times a day:

• Amiksin;
• rimantadine or amantadine - 0.1 g each;
• oseltamivir (Tamiflu) - 0.075 - 0.15 g;
• zanamivir (Relenza).

You need to take antiviral drugs for 5 days.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This category includes:

• ibuprofen,
• Paracetamol
• Diclofenac.

These drugs have an anti-inflammatory effect, reduce temperature, and relieve pain.

Can be taken combination drugs containing paracetamol - for example:

• Fervex,
• Theraflu

Their effectiveness is the same as that of conventional paracetamol, but they are more convenient to use and reduce the intensity of other symptoms of SARS due to the presence of phenylephrine and chlorphenamine in the composition.

Antihistamine medicines needed to reduce signs of inflammation: nasal congestion, swelling of mucous membranes. Reception "", "Fenistila", "Zirtek" is recommended. Unlike first-generation drugs, they do not cause drowsiness.

Against nasal congestion and runny nose with ARVI in adults, vasoconstrictor nasal drops Vibrocil, Nazivin, Otrivin, Sanorin are used.

Are antibiotics needed?

The prognosis for SARS is generally favorable. The worsening of the prognosis occurs when complications occur, a more severe course often develops when the body is weakened, in children of the first year of life, in senile people. Some complications (pulmonary edema, encephalopathy, false croup) can be fatal.

The main indications for taking antibiotics for colds are the following:

• chronic inflammation of the middle ear;
• purulent otitis;
• purulent;
• quinsy;
• abscess;
• phlegmon.

1. An important action is isolation of the patient from society because the infection will then spread. Being in crowded places, the infected will endanger them.
2. It is required to observe a number of rules regarding the room where the patient is located. This includes its wet cleaning, mandatory ventilation (every 1.5 hours), temperature conditions (20-22 °), it is good if the indoor humidity is 60-70%.
3. Need to drink plenty of water, it should only be warm. In fact, this is any drink: tea, decoctions, compote, just warm water, etc.
4. Taking a shock dose of vitamin C. In the early days of SARS, you need to take ascorbic acid up to 1000 milligrams per day.
5. Warming up feet and hands with hot baths. Warming procedure can be carried out if the patient does not have a temperature.
6. Gargling. The throat must be gargled so that the infection does not spread. Gargling helps relieve coughs. Soda-salt solution, decoctions of chamomile, calendula, sage are suitable for gargling.
7. Rinse your nose regularly with saline solutions. The cheapest option is physiological saline, you can also use modern drugs Dolphin or - their effectiveness in comparison with conventional saline is absolutely identical.
8. Inhalations. This procedure is aimed at relieving coughing. From folk remedies, for inhalation, you can use steam from potatoes "in uniform", as well as decoctions of chamomile, calendula, mint and other medicinal herbs. From modern means, a nibulizer can be used for inhalation.

In the acute stage of the disease, a person has a fever, a serious condition, apathy, loss of appetite, pain in the joints, muscles, etc. As soon as the virus begins to “lose up”, the temperature balance normalizes - perspiration occurs, the pallor of the skin turns into a blush, the patient wants to eat, is drawn to sweets.

Nutrition

Food during the treatment of ARVI should be light, quickly digestible. It is important to maintain a balance of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. For a speedy recovery, it is worth limiting the amount of fat consumed. But it is not necessary to give up easily digestible carbohydrates. They will replenish energy reserves.

Depending on the stage of recovery, the nutrition of a patient with ARVI can be built as follows:

• On the first day of illness - baked apples, low-fat yogurt, fermented baked milk.
• On the second or third day - boiled meat or fish, porridge with milk, dairy products.
• On the days of complications of the disease - boiled or stewed vegetables, low-fat sour-milk products.

Folk remedies for SARS

ARVI can be treated with the following folk remedies:

1. Brew in a glass of boiling water for 1 tsp. ginger powder, ground cinnamon, add ground black pepper on the tip of a knife. Insist under the lid for 5 minutes, add 1 tsp. honey. Take a glass every 3-4 hours.
2. Modern healers recommend treating colds with a special mixture of juices. You will need: juice from 2 lemons, 1 crushed garlic clove, 5 mm fresh ginger root, 1 apple with skin, 1 pear with skin, 300 gr. water, 1 tablespoon honey. If the juice is intended for adults, you can add a slice of radish 2 cm thick to it. Drink the resulting mixture 2 times a day until complete recovery.
3. You can do inhalation over a container of hot water. To increase efficiency, a clove of garlic, an extract of needles, fir oil, and eucalyptus are added to the liquid. Also, on the basis of these oils, nasal drops are made.
4. To disinfect the air in the room, it is worth putting a container with onions or garlic in the room. They are rich in useful phytoncides that destroy viruses.
5. Loss of smell is one of the most frustrating symptoms of a cold (especially for an aromatherapist!) Chervil, geranium and basil oils can help. Use them when taking baths and during inhalations.

Prevention

ARVI preventive methods include:

• limiting contact with a sick person;
• use of a protective gauze mask;
• humidification of the air to prevent drying of the mucous membranes;
• quartzization of premises;
• ventilation of premises;
• good food;
• sports;
• the use of vitamins and restorative drugs in the offseason;
• personal hygiene.

You will get the maximum result if you carry out complex treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, take all the drugs prescribed by your doctor and remember about bed rest.

This is all about SARS in adults: what are the main symptoms, treatment features, is it possible to treat at home. Do not be ill!

Sometimes, feeling very unwell, we come to the clinic or call the doctor to the house, and he, having carefully asked about the symptoms, makes us an incomprehensible diagnosis - acute respiratory infections. What it is is unclear. This article is devoted to a detailed explanation of this issue.

Acute respiratory infection, or ARI

If a person has a cold, he starts coughing, itchy and sore throat, the temperature rises, then this means that his respiratory organs are affected by an acute respiratory infection, respectively, he is sick with an acute respiratory disease, abbreviated as acute respiratory infections. This concept includes a fairly large range of diseases caused by a wide range of different bacteria and viruses: streptococci, meningococci, staphylococci, influenza viruses A, B and C, parainfluenza viruses, adenoviruses, enteroviruses, etc.

All these countless harmful microorganisms, getting inside the human body, can cause acute respiratory infections. What it is - it will become even more clear after reading the list of the most common symptoms of acute respiratory infections (acute respiratory viral diseases).

Symptoms of an acute respiratory infection

4. Rotavirus infection (intestinal or has a fairly long incubation period - up to six days. The onset of the disease is acute: vomiting, diarrhea, fever. Most often observed in children.

5. Respiratory syncytial infection is characterized by the occurrence of bronchitis and pneumonia, i.e. damage to the lower respiratory tract. At the very beginning of the disease, a person feels a general malaise, runny nose, headache. The most characteristic symptom is attacks of excruciating dry cough.

6. Coronavirus infection is most severe in children. It affects the upper respiratory tract. The main symptoms: inflammation of the larynx, runny nose, sometimes lymph nodes may increase. The temperature may be in the region of subfebrile values.

ARI has a synonym - ARI, or acute respiratory infection. In the common people, ARI is usually denoted by the more familiar word "cold". Also, in connection with the cold and flu, you can often hear the abbreviation SARS.

ARI and SARS - what's the difference?

Many people think that ARI and SARS are identical concepts. But it is not so. Now we will try to explain to you what the difference is.

The fact is that the term ARI refers to the whole wide group of acute respiratory diseases caused by any microbes - bacteria or viruses. But ARVI is a narrower and more precise concept, which determines that the disease is precisely of a viral nature. Here they are - ARI and SARS. We hope you understand the difference.

The need for a more accurate diagnosis arises in some cases due to the fact that the treatment of diseases of viral or bacterial origin may be fundamentally different, but not always.

In the process of developing an acute respiratory viral infection, a bacterial factor can also join it. That is, for example, at first a person is struck by the influenza virus, and after a few days the situation is further complicated by bronchitis or pneumonia.

Difficulties with diagnosis

Due to the similarity of various acute respiratory infections to each other, the doctor can sometimes make a mistake and make an incorrect diagnosis. Especially often there is confusion with influenza and acute respiratory infections of a different etiology: parainfluenza, adenovirus, rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial infection.

Meanwhile, it is very important to identify the flu at an early stage of the disease in order to prescribe the right drugs and prevent the development of complications. In order to help the doctor, the patient must identify as accurately as possible all the symptoms he has. It should be remembered that influenza is rarely associated with a cold, while most other acute respiratory infections (especially of a bacterial nature) begin after hypothermia, just like a cold.

Another important note about influenza (ARI): you can get sick with it most often only during the epidemic, while other ARIs have year-round activity. There are other differences between influenza and other acute respiratory diseases.

Attention - flu!

This disease always has a very acute onset. In just a couple of hours, a person from a healthy person turns into an absolutely sick person. The temperature quickly rises to the highest values ​​\u200b\u200b(usually above 38.5 degrees), symptoms such as:

• headache;
• pain in the muscles of the arms and legs, cramps;
• pain in the eyeballs;
• severe chills;
• complete weakness and weakness.

For other acute respiratory infections, it is characteristic just a gradual increase in disease processes, reaching a peak on the second or third day of illness. If you feel unwell and are trying to determine what you have: the flu or an acute respiratory disease (we already know what kind of "sores" they are), remember what you just read, and if all the signs indicate that you have the flu , then immediately go to bed and call a doctor at home.

How does an acute respiratory infection occur?

The germs that cause colds and flu are transmitted primarily through airborne droplets. Let's look at the OR. What is it, how does it affect the body of a healthy person?

When talking, and especially when coughing and sneezing, a sick person, unwittingly, releases a huge amount of viruses and bacteria into the environment. Moreover, the patient becomes dangerous for others not only in the acute phase of the disease, but also in its erased form, when he considers himself only a little sick - he goes to work, freely communicates with others, "generously" sharing the disease with all citizens who meet on his way.

ARI pathogens can live not only in the air, but also on various objects: on dishes, clothes, door handles, etc. That is why during periods of epidemics it is recommended not only to refrain from visiting public places, but also to wash your hands more often with soap and water .

In order for a person to become infected, it is enough for microbes to get on the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx and oral cavity. From there, they quickly and freely enter the respiratory tract and begin to multiply rapidly, releasing toxins into the blood. Therefore, with acute respiratory infections, intoxication of the human body always occurs to one degree or another.

Treatment of acute respiratory infections

It is good if a medicine for acute respiratory infections is prescribed by a qualified therapist, who has precisely established which infection caused the disease. In this case, the treatment will go most successfully and quickly. But many of our compatriots simply love to be treated on their own, without wasting time visiting a clinic or calling a doctor. We want to say right away that if you, who are reading these lines now, belong to this category, then we do not urge you to take the information presented in this chapter as a guide to action. We do not give recommendations here on how to treat ARI. This is only an introductory general overview, which can in no way replace the advice and appointment of a doctor.

General principles of treatment, remedies for acute respiratory infections:

2. If the temperature exceeds 38.5 degrees, then this is an indication for taking any antipyretic drug. Here is a partial list of such drugs:

• "Paracetamol";
• "Aspirin";
• "Efferalgan";
• "Ibuprofen";
• "Nurofen";
• "Panadol";
• "Anapirin";
• "Tylenol";
• "Calpol";
• "Ibusan";
• "Fervex" and many other similar drugs.

An important addition: antipyretic drugs are intended primarily for symptomatic and complex therapy. They reduce the temperature, soothe the pain, but they cannot completely cure the underlying disease. Therefore, timely medical diagnosis and the appointment of treatment by a doctor are so important.

3. Since acute respiratory diseases are almost always accompanied by severe intoxication of the body, the patient needs to drink more. Of the drinks most suitable for the sick are:

• weak warm tea with a slice of lemon;
• fruit drink made from cranberries;
• mineral water (better if it is without gas);
• juices (preferably natural freshly squeezed, not from packages).

4. Respiratory diseases are cured much more effectively and quickly if a person, at the very first signs of illness, starts taking vitamins such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and rutin (vitamin P). Both components are included in the excellent Ascorutin vitamin complex.

5. In some cases, doctors consider it necessary to prescribe antihistamines.

6. With active inflammatory processes in the bronchi, lungs and larynx with the formation of sputum, broncho-secretolytic drugs are prescribed:

• "Bronholitin";
• "Ambroxol";
• "ACC";
• "Bromhexine";
• "Ambrobene";
• marshmallow root syrup;
• "Ambrohexal";
• "Bronchicum";
• "Gedelix";
• "Lazolvan";
• "Mukodin";
• "Mukosol";
• "Tussin" and others.

7. In ARVI, antiviral drugs are indicated. These include the following drugs for acute respiratory infections of viral etiology:

• "Interferon";
• "Kagocel";
• "Amixin";
• "Grippferon";
• "Arbidol";
• "Rimantadine" and others.

8. If the course of acute respiratory infections is complicated by a severe bacterial infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

• "Sanorin";
• "Xymelin";
• "Tizin";
• "Nazol";
• "Rinostop";
• "Nazivin" and others.

10. The following lozenges and sprays are used to treat inflammation in the throat:

• "Geksoral";
• Strepsils;
• "Kameton";
• "Faringosept";
• "Ambassador";
• "Ingalipt" and others.

About antibiotics

We consider it useful to remind you that antibiotics for acute respiratory infections, as, indeed, for any other ailments, should not be prescribed to yourself! These are powerful drugs that can defeat the infection where other drugs can be completely powerless. But at the same time, they have a lot of side effects and contraindications. Taking advantage of the fact that today many potent drugs can be purchased at a pharmacy without a prescription, people begin to take powerful pills in order to get better as soon as possible and in some cases get the exact opposite effect.

For example, at the initial stage of influenza, taking antibiotics is not only useless (money thrown away), but even harmful. This group of drugs has no effect on viruses, they are designed to fight other microorganisms (bacteria and fungi). Getting into the body of a patient with influenza, antibiotics destroy the beneficial bacterial microflora, thereby weakening the immune system of the sick person, which is already in a state of exhaustion, because the body has to use all its forces and reserves to fight dangerous viruses.

If you have signs of acute respiratory infections, do not rush to resort to antibiotics without good reason and without a doctor's prescription! Here are some side effects that one of the most powerful and popular antibiotics of the latest generation today, Sumamed, which belongs to the group of macrolides, can cause:

• dysbacteriosis (violation of the natural microflora in the intestine);
• candidiasis and other fungal infections;
• various allergic reactions;
• arthralgia (joint pain):
• many other annoyances.

When the child got sick

And now a little introductory consultation for parents. ARI is especially difficult in children. Here, as a rule, there is a high temperature, and a wild pain in the throat, and a runny nose. The child is suffering a lot, how to help him as soon as possible? Of course, first of all, you need to call a doctor and give the baby the medicines that he will prescribe. You also need to do the following:

• In order to avoid congestion in the lungs, it is necessary to put a small patient on the bed several times a day, tucking pillows under his back so that the baby can sit comfortably. The baby must be carried in his arms, pressing him to himself so that his body is in an upright position.
• When sick, children often refuse to eat. You don’t need to force them to eat, it’s better to give your child more tasty drink in the form of warm cranberry juice.
• The child's room should be cleaned daily (wet). It is recommended to throw a terry towel over the heating battery, which must be moistened periodically - this will help humidify the air. Remember that the germs that cause respiratory illness are most comfortable in dry air.
• The room must be ventilated several times a day, as a small patient needs clean fresh air. At this time (5-10 minutes) it is best to transfer the child to another room.

Errors in the treatment of ARI

If ARI is not properly treated, complications will not keep you waiting. Here are some common mistakes people who catch a cold often make:

1. Until the last, as long as there is at least some strength, they try to stand on their feet, go to work, women take care of the house, run to shops, etc., and meanwhile the disease develops. It is necessary to protect not only yourself, but also those around you (for example, your colleagues), because they are also at risk of getting sick if there is an infected person next to them.

2. They do not trust the doctor's recommendations, do not drink the drugs that he prescribed. It often happens that the doctor considers it necessary for the patient to undergo a full course of antibiotic treatment, but after drinking one or two tablets and feeling better, he stops taking the drug and thus does not allow the medicine to cope with a bacterial infection that can quietly turn into a chronic one. shape.

3. Antipyretics are taken without special need. Remember that by raising the temperature, the body fights the infection, and if the thermometer shows no more than 38.5 degrees, then you do not need to stuff yourself with pills.

Folk recipes

How to treat ARI with folk methods? Well, there are a lot of recipes here! Here are just a few of them:

1. Various teas (with honey, with linden, with raspberries) help to quickly bring down the temperature. It is recommended that after giving the patient such antipyretic tea to drink, wrap him warmer and let him sweat properly. After the fever subsides, and sweating stops, you need to change the bed and underwear of the sick person and let the person sleep.

2. If a cold occurs in a mild form without an increase in temperature, then you can do foot baths with mustard before going to bed. In simple terms, soar legs. Important note: you can’t do this even at a low subfebrile temperature - hot water can cause it to rise further.

3. From inflammation of the tonsils, gargling with warm decoctions of herbs such as sage, chamomile and calendula helps very well.

4. In the room where a sick person lies, it is good to put fresh pine branches into the water. Pine needles release useful phytoncides that have the ability to destroy microbes.

5. Everyone knows how strong the antiviral effect is onions. You can give the patient to drink onion milk with honey. To prepare it, milk is poured into a small ladle, and an onion cut into several parts is placed there. The drug needs to be boiled for several minutes (3-5 will be enough). Then the milk is poured into a cup, a spoonful of honey is put there, and all this is given to the patient to drink. Such milk has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, sedative properties, helps to fall asleep.

Let's talk about prevention

Prevention of acute respiratory infections is quite simple and, in principle, has long been known to everyone. But the carelessness inherent in the human race and hope for a chance often make us ignore the elementary rules of behavior in the season of epidemiological danger and pay for our carelessness with illness and suffering. We advise you to carefully read about preventive measures to prevent acute respiratory diseases. Here they are:

1. It is necessary to take care of strengthening your body ahead of time! No cold takes a person with strong immunity. For this you need:

• engage in recreational sports (running, skiing, skating, swimming, etc.);
• harden, for example, douse yourself with cool water in the morning;
• make sure that all vitamins are present in the diet in sufficient quantities, ascorbic acid is especially important - it is not synthesized in our body and can only be ingested with food.

2. During an epidemic of acute respiratory infections, it is recommended to lubricate the nasal mucosa with oxolinic ointment before going outside.

3. When the flu is rampant, do not tempt fate - refrain from visiting crowded places.

Conclusion

Now you know a lot about acute respiratory infections - what it is, how to be treated, how to avoid infection, and more. We have tried to convey rather complex and extensive information in a simple and concise form that is most understandable to most people. We hope that our article was useful to our readers. We wish you to always stay healthy, let diseases bypass you!