Men's cold - is it dangerous?

definition

For a few years, the term so-called men's cold has been popular as a discriminatory phenomenon and causes amusement here and there, but also a lot of resentment in other places. In general, every person, whether man or woman, experiences an illness such as a cold or the like always subjectively. So everyone has a different feeling of illness, which should always be unconditionally recognized. The term men's cold assumes that men suffer from a cold more than women. But where is the basis of the comparison? Do women deal with colds or illnesses differently than men? Are men, as the supposedly stronger sex, supposed to have to symbolize strength even in illness? Is it possible to objectify feelings of illness?

Read more on the topic: Men's flu, therapy for a cold

Why do men suffer from colds more than women?

In order to get to the bottom of this question, there should be some form of general objectification of the individual feeling of illness. Since, in the author's opinion, this is not possible and no high-quality studies are made or published in the scientific world, it is easy no comparison possible between a so-called male cold and a “female cold”. So-called suffering from an illness should by no means become condemnable. In our enlightened, humanistic world, men and women should be considered equal be viewed in work, family or illness. Thus, this question simply cannot be answered and its approach was simply chosen incorrectly.

In evaluations of sick leave by the commercial health insurance fund (KKH) from the beginning of 2017, there are figures that could even suggest the opposite. Would one get involved in the comparison, because here numbers show that essential more women from December 2015 to March 2016 one Sick leave because of a cold disease than men needed.

At the same time, numerous organizations fight for health awareness among men. Because the image of the man, as the "allegedly" stronger sex, is still valid, as a prototype of the non-suffering and not-going to the doctor, which clinical picture like testicular cancer continues to drive to worse prognoses, which could actually be kept within limits, especially with early treatment and therapy for health-conscious men.

Concomitant symptoms

The symptoms of a slight upper respiratory infection, also known as a runny nose, often go along with it a headache hand in hand. Additionally can slightly increased temperature (up to 38 ° C) and Body aches create a stressful feeling of illness. According to the vernacular, the complainant who is subordinated to the so-called male cold underlines the diagnosis. There is probably no equivalent for the female gender with comparable symptoms, which makes the assumption vulnerable for many men.

Diagnosing a runny nose

Diagnosing one Runny nose has met almost everyone in their life. It is also a purely clinical diagnosis, which means that it is made purely on the basis of the symptoms and anamnesis and does not require any further diagnosis. The nose runs and itches, it may be sneezed more often, often the affected person gets bad air and struggles with a headache, maybe with slight fever around.

So, according to the absurd theory, the phenomenon of men's cold attacks every man who falls ill with a cold and apparently suffers more than a woman in the supposedly comparable situation. The above-mentioned data from the KKH do not say whether women suffer from a cold or not more often, but it does show that men with a mild cold do not stay in bed much more often and take sick leave.

Treatment / therapy

The therapy of a so-called men's cold, as already mentioned several times as a discriminatory element in popular speech, sees itself as pure symptom-oriented therapy a common cold. Usually the cold heals spontaneously after a week. In addition to physical restraint, a adequate fluid intake be respected. You can also Inhalations Using lightly salted hot water will be helpful. In the case of a “blocked” nose and thus obstructed nasal breathing, can Nasal sprays can be resorted to, which bring relief. If the headache intensifies, pain relievers such as Ibuprofen which are also effective in the case of fever.

Means against the cold of men?

The above therapy should apply to both men and women. In addition, everyone needs affection and care. A maliciously scornful mockery of oneself, which implies the word “men's cold”, is of little help and does not contribute to recovery. Everyone wants feel taken seriously and not knowing in his illness and in his feeling of potential pain in question.

Duration of rhinitis

The duration of a common cold should be around one week do not exceed. If the symptoms persist and there is a threat of infection from colleagues at work, the general practitioner should be consulted, who can help with a sick note. Here applies physical rest and Protection can be a good limiting factor for the common cold. A conscientious cure prevents new infections due to a re-strengthening immune system. Thus, a man's cold also lasts no longer than a woman's cold.