A doctor has warned of the dangers of breathing over potatoes to treat colds

Folk medicine, offering ways to treat acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) without drugs, is quite popular, but some of its methods may turn out to be not only useless, but also dangerous. This was reported to "Gazeta.Ru" on February 19 by Svetlana Burnatskaya, therapist, occupational pathologist of JSC "Medicine".

She pointed out that such a common method as breathing over potatoes is often used and temporarily relieves nasal congestion, but hot steam can burn the airways and mucous membranes. In addition, this relief option does not destroy the infection, but only masks the symptoms.

One of the most famous folk methods associated with drinking alcohol or rubbing with vodka at high fever does not help to fight bacteria or viruses, but only weakens the immune system of the patient. If you drink alcoholic beverages, you can get dehydrated, and that will make the situation worse.

"It is especially dangerous for children: alcohol, penetrating through the skin, can cause poisoning or an allergic reaction, as well as dry the skin," Burnatskaya pointed out.

According to her, visiting a bathhouse when sick is also not the best method, although it helps to alleviate unpleasant cold symptoms for a while. The fact is that with an elevated body temperature so you can overheat the body. This is especially dangerous for people who have cardiovascular diseases - they can get worse. In addition, the steam room does not give any real therapeutic effect.

The doctor noted that when treating viral diseases in children, aspirin should not be used, because it can cause a rare but dangerous Reye's syndrome, which affects the liver and brain. In addition, children under a year old should not be given honey with lemon - honey may contain bacteria that lead to botulism. Garlic and onions, if overused, can cause stomach irritation, and tea tree or eucalyptus oils carry the risk of allergic reactions, skin irritation and respiratory tract irritation.

Burnacka added that the most useful folk methods are rest, bed rest and plenty of drinking. Berry morses, which should be diluted with water, will help to replenish the lack of fluid in the body and strengthen the immune system. Nevertheless, in case of symptoms of the disease should consult a doctor, especially if the ailment persists for a long time.

The common cold: how acute respiratory infections differ from acute respiratory infections (ARI)

Doctors told why sore throat and flu should not be treated the same way

Earlier, February 7, therapist, immunologist, specialist in particularly dangerous infections Vladislav Zhemchugov said that frequent colds may indicate not only problems with immunity, but also serious diseases that weaken the body's defense. Among such diseases may be diabetes mellitus, chronic infections, hormonal disorders or oncology, so you should consult a doctor.