Does your body hurt when you catch a cold? (Cold Aches) - How to get rid of this pain?

You probably know the feeling of a cold. You sneeze, you run a cold , you may have a headache, you may have a sore throat . But for some people, it's not just this, but their muscles also ache. It feels like someone has hit them. This muscle pain can be even more annoying than the other symptoms of a cold. So, how can you get relief from this pain? Let's talk about it in detail.

Let's learn about pain relievers.

We all use painkillers to relieve these kinds of body aches. While many of these are available over-the-counter, it's always wise to talk to your doctor before using any medication.

There are two main groups of painkillers used:

1. Acetaminophen : Paracetamol , which we all know and use frequently, is a drug that belongs to this group.

2. NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs): This stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This group includes drugs like ibuprofen , naproxen , and aspirin.

Both of these classes of medicines can help reduce your fever and relieve muscle aches. While some people feel better with paracetamol, others may find an NSAID more effective. Many combination cold medicines or syrups you take contain one of these two types of painkillers.

How does this medicine work?

These two types of medications reduce pain in our body in two ways.

Simply put, NSAIDs work by reducing the production of hormones (prostaglandins) in our bodies that cause pain and inflammation. This means they get to the root cause of the pain and control it.

Acetaminophen , or paracetamol, works in a slightly different way. It directly affects the parts of our brain that receive pain messages, reducing the sensation of pain.

Do you have a cold or the flu?

The symptoms of both diseases are so similar that they are sometimes confused. However, there are some clear differences between the two. Being aware of this is important when choosing treatment.

If the flu becomes severe, symptoms such as high fever, chills, and difficulty breathing may occur. If this happens, it is essential to seek immediate medical advice or go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).

Is it really safe to use painkillers?

This is a very important question. These painkillers are safe for most people if taken in the correct dosage and according to instructions. However, if the pain lasts for more than a few days (maximum 10 days), you should definitely see your doctor.

Although these medications are generally safe, they can cause serious side effects in some people.

Things to be aware of about NSAIDs (such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin)

• If you are taking blood thinners (e.g. Warfarin, Clopidogrel), or if you have stomach or intestinal ulcers, do not take Aspirin or other NSAIDs for any reason.
• Very important: Never give aspirin to children and teens with a fever, such as chickenpox or influenza. There is a risk of a very dangerous, life-threatening condition called Reye's syndrome.
• It is generally not appropriate to give any cough or cold medicine to children under 4 years of age without medical advice.
• Some people with asthma may experience increased breathing difficulties when taking NSAIDs.
• These medications can cause stomach inflammation, gastritis, and other conditions. There is also a risk of edema, kidney, and liver problems due to fluid retention in the body.
• If you already have high blood pressure, NSAIDs can increase your blood pressure even more.

Things to be aware of about acetaminophen (Paracetamol)

• Paracetamol is not as harmful to the stomach as NSAIDs.
• However, taking more than the recommended dose can cause serious liver damage. Taking paracetamol while drinking alcohol is especially dangerous.
• If you already have liver disease or are a frequent drinker, be sure to consult your doctor before taking paracetamol.

Extremely important warning!

Many cold capsules and lozenges on the market already contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Therefore, if you are taking such a medicine, do not take another paracetamol or other painkiller in addition to it. By doing so, you will unknowingly overdose on the painkiller. This is very harmful to the liver. Read the ingredients label of any medicine you take.