During the season change, colds enter a high incidence period. Many people, when they have symptoms of a cold, take the "anti-inflammatory drugs" they usually have at home on their own, unaware of the significant health risks involved. Improper medication may even lead to anaphylactic shock. How to scientifically use medication for colds? The reporter interviewed experts from the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University. Zhang Peng, chief physician of the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, said that simple viral colds are self limiting, and the course of disease is usually about five to seven days. Therefore, treatment should focus on symptomatic relief. For fever and headache, antipyretic and analgesic drugs such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used; for nasal congestion and runny nose, traditional Chinese medicine such as Ganmao Qingre Granules can be used; for cough and phlegm, expectorant or antitussive drugs can be used, as far as possible under the guidance of professional doctors or pharmacists. The "anti-inflammatory drugs" that are often misused in colds, such as amoxicillin, cephalosporin, levofloxacin, etc., are actually antibacterial drugs, also known as antibiotics in a narrow sense, used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, otitis media, tonsillitis, etc. caused by bacterial infections, and have no therapeutic effect on viral colds. ”Introduction by Bai Hui, Deputy Director of the Pharmacy Department at Ningxia Medical University General Hospital. Antibiotics are not only ineffective against viral colds, but also prone to allergies. If abused or the medication is not targeted, it may also cause liver and kidney damage, neurological damage, and even allergic shock, endangering life. Random use of antibiotics can also lead to increased drug resistance. Taking antibiotics as soon as you catch a cold is like constantly helping the bacteria in your body "train". When a bacterial infection actually occurs, the original drugs may become ineffective, and even more potent drugs may be needed to take effect. ”Bai Hui said. When should bacterial infection be considered for a cold? Experts suggest that some patients may experience damage to the upper respiratory mucosa due to viral infections, allowing bacteria to take advantage of the situation. If symptomatic treatment for a cold does not improve, sore throat and cough worsen with thick yellow green phlegm, nasal mucus changes from clear to thick yellow green purulent mucus, and fever persists for more than three days, timely medical attention should be sought. A doctor should examine and diagnose whether bacterial infection is present, and then evaluate the use of antibiotics, "said Zhang Peng. If you experience symptoms of a cold, do not use antibiotics on your own. Different antibiotics have different antibacterial spectra, usage and dosage, adverse reactions and precautions, and must be used under the guidance of professional physicians or pharmacists. ”Bai Hui said. (New Society)