Who has not experienced "common cold" lately? We refer “cold” as an upper respiratory viral
infection involving, nasal congestion and discharge, sneezing, sore throat,
cough, low-grade fever, headache, and malaise. The common cold is different
than influenza, bacterial pharyngitis, acute bronchitis, acute bacterial
sinusitis, and seasonal allergy.
Many of my patients would ask for antibiotics for
their common cold. Unfortunately,
antibiotic does not work since common cold is due to viruses. Over the counter cold medications which
contain cough-suppressant, antihistamines, decongestant and mild pain
medications are usually helpful – at least to make the suffering more
bearable. Do drink plenty of water to
hydrate yourself.
How about Zinc containing medications? In the mid 1970s, zinc ions were reported to
inhibit rhinovirus replication. Some
studies suggested that Zinc reduced duration of cold symptoms. Adverse effects, including bad taste and
nausea, were common in the zinc group in all reviews. The FDA has advised against the use of over-the-counter zinc-containing intranasal
products (Zicam) because of multiple reports of permanent anosmia (inability to
smell).
How about Vitamin C?
Studies using Vitamin C for common cold are controversial. The best study was done in persons involved
in high intensity physical stress (soldiers in sub-artic exercise) where
vitamin C seemed to reduce incidence of cold.
In you and me, it does not seem to make much different.
I recommend the usual motherly advice when you have
common cold: plenty of rest and fluid.
Use over the counter medications if you have to. Also, see your doctors or NP if the symptoms
worsen.
Reference:
-Hemilä H. Zinc lozenges may shorten
the duration of colds: a systematic review. Open Respir Med J 2011; 5:51.
-Singh M, et al. Zinc for the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2011
-Arroll B. Non-antibiotic treatments
for upper-respiratory tract infections (common cold). Respir Med.
2005;99(12):1477.
