Course of a Cold: Three Phases of The Disease

It begins with a sore throat, then comes the common cold and finally the cough: colds progress in stages. We’ll tell you which remedies work best and when.

Phase 1: Itchy Throat

When we first notice that a cold is coming, the actual infection is about one or two days ago. This means that a troop from the army of over 300 cold viruses is already in our bodies, more precisely in the mucous membranes, and has multiplied there. The “virus factory” – whereby the pathogens do not reproduce under their own power, but use our cells as hosts – is often located in the throat area at the beginning.

This irritates and damages the mucous membrane. A scratching in the throat is therefore often the first thing we feel. In addition, there is a general feeling of illness, because messenger substances of our immune system, which are produced because of the intruders, also act in the brain and make us weak. Even if the neck scratching usually lasts only a few days, the cold can usually no longer be averted. But there are some things that can relieve the symptoms:

• Drinking tea: Sage tea is best, as it contains anti-inflammatory essential oils and tanning agents. Such substances easily contract the upper layer of the inflamed mucous membrane and thus strengthen its resistance. This is a great thing, because every coughing and clearing of the throat strains the tissue anew, leaving the nerve fibres more or less exposed, which makes them even more sensitive. In addition, the tanned surface is less inviting for further pathogens.
• Sucking sweets: Every candy, whether with or without active ingredients, sugary or sugar-free, makes saliva a little thicker. The tougher spit adheres better to the irritated pharyngeal mucosa and thus shields the nerve fibres in the inflamed area somewhat, which immediately relieves the scratching of the neck. After ten to 30 minutes, however, the next sweet is needed. Mucilages such as hyaluronic acid cover the mucous membrane noticeably and effectively, but are not everyone’s cup of tea. Icelandic moss is also recommended as a mucous membrane protection.
• Ease the pain: If the bad feeling in the throat is more than just a scratching, i.e. a real pain, you can take a lozenge with a local anaesthetic such as benzocaine, lidocaine or even ambroxol. Advantage: Not only the pain, but also a possible irritation of the throat decreases. Disadvantage: It feels numb in the mouth. A gentle alternative is a peppermint candy, because menthol also has an analgesic effect. Or you can take an ibuprofen. In addition to its analgesic effect, the active ingredient also has an anti-inflammatory component.

Phase 2: The Nose is Closed

The cold usually sets in on the second or third day, usually with sneezing and a runny nose. In the beginning, mainly watery mucus is produced, only gradually it becomes tougher. In addition, the mucous membranes swell up, making it harder to breathe and clogging the nose. If the paranasal sinuses are no longer properly ventilated, headaches and a feeling of pressure develop.

Often the nasal secretion gradually changes its colour to yellowish. However, this is not proof that the viruses have now been joined by an infection with bacteria. Bacteria that are naturally present in the nose also multiply when you have a cold, and these make the secretion tough and greenish, especially in the morning. If a viral rhinitis remains, it usually subsides after five to nine days; if bacteria are added, it takes longer. Complications include high fever, severe pain and extreme fatigue, and of course long-lasting symptoms. Then you should definitely see a doctor. You can treat an uncomplicated cold yourself:

• Use nasal spray: And without being afraid. Because yes, it’s true: If you take the nasal sprays for longer than a few days, you risk damaging your nasal mucous membrane and getting used to the remedies. Nevertheless, nasal sprays are helpful because the secretion drains off more easily and the nose is better ventilated. Problems can be prevented by using a spray without preservatives, possibly in children’s doses. And less frequent spraying, for example only at night. Those who spray as low doses as possible and without preservatives may stay with it for up to ten days.
• Heal from the inside: Especially people who are prone to sinusitis benefit from phytotherapy. Different medicinal plants each work against different factors, so it makes sense to combine the active ingredients. Here you can get advice in the pharmacy.
• Steam up: All you need for inhalation is boiling hot water and a towel so that the steam does not escape but can be inhaled easily. Although steam is not effective against viruses, it moistens the mucous membranes and stimulates the blood circulation. This makes it easier to get rid of the mucus. In addition, the immune system works best in well moistened mucous membranes. Adding essential oils makes it work even better – such as eucalyptus, mountain pine or spruce needle oils, as found in ready-to-use inhalation supplements. However, such substances can irritate the eyes, so close your eyes or use a plastic inhaler with a nasal attachment.

Phase 3: The Cough Begins

It starts last, around day five, and stays the longest. According to one study, the average stay is 17.8 days. Actually, cilia keep our airways clean, but when we get an infection, they don’t work properly. Receptors in the mucous membrane send messages to the brain and a cough reflex is triggered. In the case of a cold, a dry irritable cough usually occurs first, which then changes into a so-called productive cough after a few days. You should always seek medical advice if the symptoms persist for a longer period of time, worsen or if you experience shortness of breath, pain or fever. Otherwise these strategies help:

• Take cough syrup: Phytotherapy offers a wide range of options for coughs, for example in the form of various cough juices. Ivy leaves, for example, contain soap-like substances that have an expectorant effect and liquefy secretions so that they can be coughed up more easily. Marshmallow contains up to 15 percent mucilage, which acts like a protective shield on the mucous membrane and makes coughing noticeably less irritating. Ribwort plantain also contains mucilage and tanning agents that have an antibacterial, anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory effect. Thyme with its tanning agents has an antiviral effect and also has an antispasmodic, expectorant and pain and inflammation-inhibiting properties.
• Breathe mist: Breathe the mist with an electric inhaler, a nebuliser, which you can also borrow in many pharmacies (you only buy the attachments, for hygienic reasons). This can produce a much finer mist than the one to which steam from the pot (see phase 2) condenses. This is why the moisture also reaches the bronchial tubes; with the “pot method” it only makes it to about the larynx.