The weather is getting colder, and the number of patients with colds is gradually increasing. Colds are often caused by rhinovirus, influenza virus, parainfluenza virus and other virus infections, and most can heal themselves. Although most colds are self limiting, their symptoms such as headache, sneezing, nasal congestion and cough can significantly affect the work and life of patients.

In order to reduce symptoms, shorten the course of disease and recover as soon as possible, some symptomatic drugs can be selected during the cold period. For example, headache, dizziness and muscle pain, antipyretic analgesics can be selected: acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, etc. Nasal mucosa vasoconstrictors can be used for patients with severe nasal congestion: pseudoephedrine or 1% ephedrine solution can be used for nasal drip, and anti allergic drugs can be used for clearing nasal mucus: chlorphenamine (chlorphenamine), diphenhydramine, etc.

When we choose the medicine for treating colds, we have changed our ideas. We can understand that antibiotics are not required for common colds, and antibiotics can only be used in cases of secondary bacterial infections such as expectoration or purulent mucus, and increased white blood cells. However, in order to quickly relieve symptoms, patients may choose two or more drugs, especially Chinese and Western drugs. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the composition of the drug to avoid the toxic and side effects caused by excessive drug use. For example, acetaminophen has strong antipyretic and analgesic effects, and is widely used in many compound cold medicines. The common ones are: phenacemide (acetaminophen, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide, chlorphenamine), compound paracetamol alkamine (paracetamol, amantadine salt, artificial bezoar, caffeine, chlorphenamine maleate) Ankahuangmin (paracetamol, caffeine, chlorphenamine maleate, artificial bezoar), etc. The maximum amount of acetaminophen taken orally one day shall not exceed 2G. Excessive use of acetaminophen may cause severe liver injury, and the doctor's advice should be strictly followed.

In addition, compound cold medicine contains anti allergic ingredients, such as chlorphenamine and diphenhydramine, which will cause drowsiness after taking. All personnel engaged in driving, mechanical operation and high-altitude operation shall be cautious. Most of the compound cold medicines contain pseudoephedrine, which is not recommended for the following patients: diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, prostatic hypertrophy, hyperthyroidism, angle closure glaucoma, pregnant women and lactating women.

For patients with severe cold symptoms and no improvement after short-term symptomatic treatment, it is recommended to seek medical treatment in the hospital or consult doctors, pharmacists and other professionals.