Fields of application:

Colds

The time for colds is approaching again! A runny nose! Nasal catarrh! At first it's just a rough feeling in your throat. Breathing is an effort. Your sense of taste and smell is impaired. And then - almost inevitably - you have a full-blown cold with all its symptoms: coughing, headache, aching limbs and a slight temperature.

 

This is mainly caused by viruses infecting the upper respiratory tract. Since the illness is passed on by droplet infection usually many people are affected within a short period of time.

 

Droplet infections always carry a high risk as the pathogens are contained in the air you breathe or in the tiny drops emitted when coughing or sneezing. Children suffer from colds more often as their immune defence against viruses only develops with age. In infants, colds often lead to drinking difficulties.

 

Important: Keep your airways moist.

Apart from generally strengthening your immune system, this is almost the only thing you can do to prevent nasal catarrh or colds. If you still catch a cold, here is some valuable advice for you. Hopefully you will soon be able to say: "Hardly here and gone already!"

 

Advice for when you have a cold

• Make sure you drink enough!
  This is the best support you can give your nasal mucous membrane for keeping secretions thin.
• Breathing moist air is important!
  It will help if you drape damp cloths on the radiator. Water-filled humidifiers attached to the radiators are not recommendable, as they are often a veritable breeding place for pathogens.
• Free your nose - the right way!
  Blow your nose one side at a time: block one nostril and blow your nose through the other one. The best method is to use a nasal douche. Nasal irrigations with an appropriate nasal cleansing salt are the perfect way to take care of the airways.
• Take sufficient vitamin C!
  This is a further important preventive measure.
• Get some fresh air!
  Make sure you have sufficient exercise in the fresh air, and keep your home and office well aired. And you are certainly aware that too much alcohol, coffee or nicotine will weaken your immune system.
• Be careful with medications!
  Medications can help relieve the worst symptoms, for instance a mild painkiller for headaches. Stronger medication should, however, only be taken after consulting a doctor.