You suffer from cold symptoms – hot drinks. When can they be used, but when should you be careful?

The pharmacist points out that there are two types of hot drinks available in pharmacies: with and without the active ingredient or paracetamol. Each type of powder has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is recommended that you consult a doctor or pharmacist before buying it.

It reduces symptoms but does not cure

Antifreeze powders temporarily improve well-being by reducing the symptoms of the disease, but they do not cure, they can only delay the development of the disease and help to recover faster. They usually contain acetaminophen, phenylephrine hydrochloride, which releases the sinuses and sinuses, and vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, which helps replace vitamin C, which can be lost in the early stages of a cold and flu.

The pharmacist reminds that these powders should be poured not with hot water but with warm water, otherwise they lose the current dose of vitamin C.

For emergencies only

It is recommended to use hot drinks with paracetamol only in urgent cases, when you need to feel better as soon as possible. It should also be remembered that they can be used at high temperatures above 37.8 ° C, but consult your doctor or pharmacist first.

In these cases, hot drinks with paracetamol have a very quick and effective effect, but cause a heavy load on the liver, so this type of product should not be used in children under 16 years of age.

The pharmacist points out that even in cases where there is a slight rise in temperature, it is not worth lowering it with hot drinks, because this does not cure a cold.

Care should be taken when used with other medications

During a cold, care should be taken to avoid the use of medicines containing the same active ingredient, otherwise an overdose of the medicine may occur. It is important to check with your pharmacist before buying this medicine to find out if it contains the same active ingredient as the medicine you are already taking. For example, antipyretic and analgesic paracetamol is a combined cold powder or so-called hot drink, but medicines containing only paracetamol are also available. There are also possible side effects to any medicine, so it is recommended that you talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking it.

Alternative: hot drinks without active substance

The pharmacist says that hot drinks without the active ingredient or without acetaminophen are a great way to warm up, take vitamins naturally and promote the normal functioning of the immune system. Common hot drinks have different flavors: ginger, honey, grapefruit, lemon, as well as plant extracts, vitamin C, calcium and vitamin D-3.

In order for hot drinks to have a positive effect on the body, it is recommended to consult a pharmacist about their use, informing about additional vitamins and supplements, so as not to exceed their daily dose.

Other ways to fight a cold

Burning throat – can be reduced with special over-the-counter tablets that contain active substances that reduce inflammation and pain. They can also be used for antiseptic purposes. In order for the active substances to work, it is important to remember that it is necessary to observe the interval between the use of the drug and meals (it is not recommended to eat and drink 10-15 minutes after taking the drug).

Cough – It is recommended to use Icelandic lichen, as it will relieve dry cough. To dissolve sputum, you can use natural extracts: ivy or yarrow extract. Also, you should drink plenty of water to help remove sputum from the airways. If the cold is accompanied by temperature and headache, you can choose a hot drink with substances that overcome the cold. Consult a pharmacist for a specific remedy.

Iesnas – To facilitate this, pharmacies have sprayed seawater sprays that moisturize the nasal mucosa and clean the airways. Nasal ointments and drops containing herbal extracts and oils can also be used. If the nose is severely congested, nasal drops or sprays containing xylometazoline or oxymetazoline may be used temporarily to reduce swelling. There are also medicines and food supplements containing natural substances – in the form of drops, syrups, tablets and capsules, suitable for both adults and children.

Caution should be used with cold symptoms

The pharmacist reminds you not to go outside during the Covid-19 virus with cold or respiratory symptoms, but to isolate yourself and monitor your health and contact your GP if necessary.

In case of cold it is recommended to take at least 2-3 liters of water a day, especially herbal teas that fight cold symptoms: marshmallows, rose hips, raspberry leaves, yarrow and lime.

It is recommended to add ginger, honey and lemon, as well as black currant jam to hot herbal teas. Additionally, it is recommended that you take vitamin C, which can help in the recovery process.