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How to quickly cure a cold at sea?

Medical expert of the article

Internist, pulmonologist
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

A cold can be cured quickly using etiologic therapy, that is, antiviral agents are used. They act directly on the cause of the disease - the virus. By destroying the virus or suppressing its activity, they lead to a quick recovery. As a result of reducing viral activity, inflammation is relieved, symptoms of the disease disappear, and the person's condition noticeably improves.

But this does not mean that the person is completely cured, and there is no reason to worry. After returning from the sea, you must definitely see a doctor and undergo an examination. The danger is that the virus can simply go into an inactive form and persist in the blood. Then, when the body weakens, or other favorable situations occur, it will certainly activate, and the disease will proceed in an even more severe form.

In addition, the virus, which is in the blood even in an inactive form, contributes to a decrease in immunity and the development of immunological tension. Complications, latent infections and chronic pathological processes that can develop in the body are also dangerous. Complications to the tonsils, kidneys, and liver are quite common. Often they make themselves known only when the pathology is already at a severe stage. By contacting a doctor in a timely manner, you can easily cure the disease and prevent the development of pathologies.

Cold medicines

Various medications are used to treat colds, many of which may be unsafe if used without supervision and may cause numerous complications. Thus, antiviral drugs can not only kill the virus, but also disrupt the normal balance of the immune system. In addition to viruses, the drug can also affect the bacterial flora that forms the normal microbiocenosis. This will lead to the development of dysbacteriosis, which is dangerous because it can cause the development of pathological flora, including severe bacterial infections, fungi. This contributes to the development of a purulent-inflammatory, infectious process.

The main precaution is to strictly adhere to the dosage of the drug, the scheme and the duration of treatment. Ideally, they should be prescribed by a doctor taking into account the anamnesis. If it is impossible to consult a doctor, it is necessary to carefully read the instructions and strictly follow the recommendations indicated in them.

It is necessary to complete the course of treatment and not stop treatment even after the main symptoms have disappeared. The disappearance of symptoms does not mean that the disease is cured, and does not mean that the virus is completely killed. After some time, it will reactivate in a more severe form, and will acquire resistance not only to this drug, but also to a whole group of similar drugs.

Anaferon is taken at the first signs of a cold. It has an antiviral effect. It quickly inactivates the virus, reduces its activity, and stimulates the immune system. Take 1 tablet 2-3 times a day, depending on the severity and degree of expression of the disease. The course of treatment is 5-7 days.

Suprastin is used to eliminate allergic reactions due to severe swelling of tissues and mucous membranes. Take 1 tablet several times a day, depending on the person's condition. May cause drowsiness and decreased concentration.

If suprastin is ineffective, loratadine is prescribed. It is similar in action to suprastin, has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties. But this is a prolonged-action drug, that is, it acts for quite a long time (remains active for 24 hours). Therefore, the drug is taken once a day, preferably at the same time.

Locally, for sore throat and congestion, throat sprays are used. For example, stop-angin, orosept, givalex, bioporox and others. All of them are used after meals. Before use, shake the bottle. Pressing the special dispenser sprays one dose of the drug. It is recommended to spray 1 dose into the throat, 3-4 times a day.

Vasoconstrictor drops are used in the nose, which relieve nasal congestion and reduce swelling of the mucous membrane. Sanorin and naphthyzin have proven themselves well. 1-3 drops are dripped into each nostril, depending on the severity of symptoms, 3-4 times, gradually reducing the number of drops and the frequency of use of the drug.

Vitamins

When you have a cold, your body needs vitamins. But it is better if these vitamins come from natural food. Since in their pure form, vitamins will promote active reproduction of bacteria and viruses, acting as a nutrient medium and growth factors for them. The only rule is that the dosage of vitamin C should be doubled, since it is what increases immunity, fights infection, and has antioxidant properties. It is recommended to take vitamin C in tablet form, preferably with glucose. The required daily dosage for a cold is 1000 mg.

Physiotherapy treatment

Physiotherapy procedures can be very useful in treating colds. A positive effect can be achieved through inhalations. Inhalations can be carried out in a physiotherapy room under the supervision of a physiotherapist. But today it is possible to carry out inhalations at home. A nebulizer will do, which is a special device in which a medicinal product is placed for inhalation. It is transformed into finely dispersed particles that penetrate the lungs and bronchi during inhalation, providing a therapeutic effect.

Steam inhalations can be done at home. To do this, you need to prepare a medicine or herbal decoction, pour it into a basin, lean over the steam, and cover yourself with a towel. You need to breathe in the steam for 10-15 minutes, after which it is better to go to bed and cover yourself. While breathing, you need to try to take the deepest possible breaths in and out.

Warming, electrical procedures, and light procedures that use radiation of different wavelengths have a good effect on the body. Infrared and ultraviolet light are most often used.

Electrophoresis of medicinal preparations is also used. The procedure is a method of introducing medicinal preparations directly into the site of inflammation. Microcurrents are used, which ensure a high degree of absorption of the preparation and the accuracy of its entry into tropic tissues. During electrophoresis, the medicinal preparation is applied to the skin or mucous membranes. It ensures high accuracy and specificity of penetration, as a result of which the preparation begins to act faster, and its lower concentration is required.

Folk remedies

Cupping has long been considered a traditional means of folk medicine. They cause a subcutaneous effusion of blood of fairly small sizes, which subsides after certain intervals of time. Also, at the site of cupping, redness and irritation of the skin are observed, which is caused by the improvement of local blood circulation. As a result, metabolic processes in the body are normalized. At first, only superficial changes occur, then - in deeper layers. Also, the flow of lymph returns to normal, tissues experience improved nutrition, the removal of harmful substances, metabolic products, toxins from them is normalized. They promote the resorption of inflammation.

The jars must be sterile. They are washed in boiled water, then treated with alcohol. You can add a little manganese to the water, this will provide it with disinfectant properties. Then wipe until dry. The edges must be lubricated with petroleum jelly. Separately, you need to prepare a long stick on which cotton wool is wound. The area of the skin on which the jar will be placed must first be treated (disinfected by wiping with alcohol). Then the cotton wool on the shelf is set on fire, placed deep into the jar. You do not need to hold it for a long time, a few seconds is enough. This will allow you to burn the air and create a vacuum in the jar, after which you quickly remove it and apply the jar to the surface of the body. This will ensure that the skin is drawn into the vacuum, due to which suction occurs. The total number of jars is usually from 6 to 12, while they are held for at least 10 minutes. When placing the jar, you need to avoid the spine area, and do not put it on the heart. To remove the can, pull one end, holding the skin fold. It is useful to perform a light massage with rubbing movements. Then the patient should be covered with a warm blanket, lie down for 30-40 minutes.

Today there are vacuum cups that do not require ignition. These are rubber or plastic cups that contain a special air suction device, which creates a vacuum. The cup is placed on pre-treated skin, then the air is sucked out with a mini-pump.

An effective folk remedy is lubrication of the throat. Sea buckthorn oil is suitable for lubrication, which has antiseptic properties, restores the mucous membrane, provides a protective effect, stimulates metabolic processes. To do this, take a teaspoon, gently press it on the root of the tongue. With another spoon with cotton wool wound on it, or a special turunta soaked in oil, lubricate the oral cavity and nasopharynx. You need to try to carry out the procedure as quickly as possible, but so carefully so as not to cause a gag reflex. For the same reason, you cannot press hard on the throat, especially the root of the tongue. You also need to be careful not to damage the mucous membrane mechanically.

Mustard plasters are an effective folk remedy. They stimulate blood circulation by irritating skin receptors. The procedure for applying mustard plasters is quite simple.

Before use, the mustard plaster is placed in a container with water, approximately 45-50 degrees. Excess water is shaken off, after which the mustard plaster is applied to the body, the surface on which the mustard layer is applied. The procedure takes 5-15 minutes. At the same time, it is necessary to constantly check their effect, which is assessed by the condition of the skin. There should be a slight tingling, a slight burning sensation that does not cause obvious discomfort to the patient. The skin should slightly redden. At the same time, there should be no severe itching, burning, pain. Also, the skin should not be excessively red, the vessels should not be visible. The appearance of such signs indicates excessive sensitivity of the skin. Therefore, the mustard plaster is removed and reapplied through a layer of paper or light fabric. Also in this case, it is recommended to use a special mustard plaster, which is formed on both sides by paper, and mustard powder is poured in the center. It is recommended to put mustard plasters on the back and sternum, while avoiding areas around the heart, spine, dilated blood vessels.

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Treating Colds at Sea with Herbs

Medicinal herbs have long been used to treat colds. Calamus officinalis has proven itself well. Rhizomes and leaves are used in the form of a decoction. It is important to follow the timing and rules for collecting medicinal raw materials. Calamus rhizomes are collected in late autumn, leaves - in June-July. Contains a large number of phytoncides, glycosides, alkaloids, due to which the main medicinal properties of the plant are achieved, such as anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antiseptic action. The composition also includes essential oils and vitamin C.

Used in the form of infusion, decoction. Relieves inflammation, stimulates metabolic processes, normalizes immunity. Improves overall well-being, increases appetite, has a general strengthening, tonic, anti-inflammatory effect on the body.

Elecampane is a perennial plant that grows in the southern part of the European part of Russia. The rhizomes are collected in July-August. The plant contains essential oils, allantoin, saponins, gums, resins. Due to this, the plant has a high expectorant, diaphoretic effect, reduces temperature, increases immunity, improves digestion, metabolic processes, improves well-being.

Calendula is a well-known anti-inflammatory herb. It is used to treat colds. An annual herbaceous plant, widespread everywhere. It is collected in August and September. It contains a large number of flavonoids, essential oils, and organic acids. Due to this composition, it performs its functions: it has an antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing effect. It is a good antiseptic used for various purposes.

The methods of application are varied: for washing, compresses, rinsing the nose, in the form of a decoction or infusion internally

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies have proven themselves to be effective in treating colds. They have virtually no contraindications. Overdose may cause side effects: allergy, irritation, rash, deterioration of condition, swelling, suffocation. Digestive system disorders may also occur: nausea, vomiting, bowel disorders.

In order to avoid side effects and complications, you need to take precautions: strictly follow the instructions, take medications only after prior consultation with a doctor.

Herbal collection for colds. To prepare, take stevia, nettle, honeysuckle leaves in approximately equal proportions. Pour boiling water over the resulting mixture and leave in a thermos for about an hour. Then add half a sliced lemon, along with the juice and zest. After that, leave for another hour. You can drink up to a liter a day, drink like tea.

A vitamin remedy has also proven itself well. To prepare, take 100 grams of dried apricots, prunes, raisins, hazelnuts, and almonds. Put all of this through a meat grinder. Separately squeeze out the lemon juice, mix it with a pinch of ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Infuse for half an hour. Put the remaining lemon squeeze together with the zest through a meat grinder, and mix the whole mixture thoroughly. After the lemon juice has infused, add it to the mixture and mix thoroughly.

Sea buckthorn tea is recommended for wound healing and restoration of mucous membranes. To prepare this tea, take 2-3 tablespoons of sea buckthorn berries, mash them with a spoon until a homogeneous gruel is formed. Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey, a pinch of almonds and cinnamon, mix thoroughly, pour boiling water. Infuse for 10-15 minutes under a closed lid, drink up to three times a day.

Vitamin oil is also effective; it can be added to tea, consumed in pieces, or spread on bread. Take sea buckthorn and viburnum (2-3 tablespoons each), knead with a spoon until oil and a relatively homogeneous mass are formed, and mix. Separately, melt butter (about 100 grams) over low heat or in a steam bath, then slowly pour in the previously prepared berry mixture while stirring. Boil for 3-4 minutes, add honey to taste. Remove from heat, allow to harden. You can sprinkle grated lemon zest or ground cinnamon on top.

Can you swim in the sea if you have a cold?

It is not advisable to swim in the sea if you have a cold. However, some doctors believe that if the water temperature is over 20 degrees, swimming will not harm your recovery at all. The only condition is that your body temperature should be normal. If your temperature is elevated, you will have to give up swimming.

In this case, it is important not to freeze in the water. As soon as you feel discomfort, you need to go out, dry yourself off and warm yourself in the sun. It is recommended to swim no more than 3 times a day, no earlier than 11 am and no later than 4 pm.

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Is it possible to sunbathe at sea if you have a cold?

You can sunbathe, but not in direct sunlight. It is important not to overheat. The optimal time is in the morning, before 11 am, and in the evening, after 4 pm. You can sunbathe only if your body temperature is normal.


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