How is the common cold treated?
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Treatment of the Common Cold: An Overview
Symptomatic Relief for Common Cold Symptoms
Over-the-Counter Medications
The primary approach to treating the common cold focuses on alleviating symptoms rather than curing the illness. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as first-generation antihistamines, anticholinergics, and alpha agonists are effective in reducing rhinorrhea (runny nose) and sneezing, though they have minimal impact on other symptoms1. Decongestants, both topical (intranasal) and oral, can relieve nasal congestion but should be used cautiously to avoid chronic nasal congestion from long-term use2.
Antitussive Agents
For cough relief, dextromethorphan may be beneficial in adults, but its effectiveness in children and adolescents is not well-supported7. Codeine and hydrocodone, although widely used, have not been proven effective for coughs caused by the common cold7.
Analgesics and Antipyretics
Analgesics such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen are commonly used to relieve fever and body aches associated with the common cold5. These medications can help improve overall comfort during the illness.
Antiviral and Immunomodulatory Treatments
Antiviral Drugs
Antiviral drugs like interferon alfa-2b are only effective if administered before the onset of symptoms, limiting their practical use in treating the common cold1. Broad-spectrum antiviral drugs have shown promise in pediatric practice, providing an adequate immune response without limiting clinical possibilities3.
Zinc and Vitamin C
Zinc has been found to potentially reduce the duration and intensity of cold symptoms, although a safe and effective dose has yet to be established1. Prophylactic use of vitamin C may modestly reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms in both adults and children7 10.
Herbal and Traditional Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used for centuries to treat the common cold. Clinical trials have shown that TCM can be effective and safe, with active ingredients demonstrating antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immune-regulating, and anti-oxidative properties4. Ganduqing granules, a TCM formulation, have been shown to improve symptoms, shorten the disease course, and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress8.
Ayurveda and Jamu
Herbal ingredients from Ayurveda and Jamu, such as ginger, liquorice, turmeric, and peppermint, have been traditionally used to manage common cold symptoms. These herbs are recognized for their therapeutic properties in various international monographs and guidelines6.
Natural and Complementary Therapies
Medicinal Plants
Certain medicinal plants have been found effective in treating the common cold. These include Echinacea, which can improve symptoms in adults, and Pelargonium sidoides (geranium) extract, which is beneficial for children5 10. Prophylactic use of garlic may decrease the frequency of colds in adults10.
Probiotics and Nasal Saline Irrigation
Prophylactic probiotics and nasal saline irrigation can reduce the incidence of colds, particularly in children10. These methods help maintain a healthy immune system and clear nasal passages, respectively.
Conclusion
The treatment of the common cold remains largely symptomatic, with various OTC medications, antiviral drugs, and natural remedies providing relief. While there is no cure for the common cold, a combination of these treatments can help manage symptoms and improve patient comfort. Further research and high-quality clinical trials are needed to establish the efficacy and safety of many of these treatments.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Treatment of the common cold
Alleviation of symptoms remains the only proven treatment for the common cold, with first-generation antihistamines, anticholinergics, and agonists effectively reducing rhinorrhea and sneezing but minimal effects on other symptoms.
Systematic ReviewWhat treatments are effective for common cold in adults and children?
Decongestants, antihistamines, and analgesics show limited effectiveness in relieving nasal symptoms in adults, while herbal remedies and vitamins show mixed results.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalThe Common Cold and Influenza in Children: To Treat or Not to Treat?
A balanced, evidence-based approach using broad-spectrum antiviral drugs in complex therapy is effective in treating acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) in children, providing an adequate immune response without limiting clinical possibilities.
Systematic ReviewTraditional Chinese Medicine for the Common Cold: Evidence and Potential Mechanisms.
TCM is effective and safe for treating colds, with potential therapeutic effects in preventing colds and treating their sequelae.
Systematic ReviewNatural Products for the Prevention and Treatment of Common Cold and Viral Respiratory Infections
Medicinal plants, such as echinacea, sage, and thyme, show potential in treating common colds and viral respiratory infections.
Literature ReviewTreatment of the common cold with herbs used in Ayurveda and Jamu: monograph review and the science of ginger, liquorice, turmeric and peppermint
Herbal medicines like ginger, liquorice, turmeric, and peppermint show potential in managing common cold symptoms, but healthcare providers need more education and training to effectively use them.
Literature ReviewTreatment of the common cold.
Vitamin C may reduce the duration and severity of common colds, but antibiotics do not improve symptoms or shorten illness duration.
Highly CitedEfficacy and Safety of Ganduqing Granules in Treating the Common Cold: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Ganduqing granules effectively improve common cold symptoms, shorten the disease course, and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, providing evidence for their efficacy and safety as a Chinese herbal medicine.
RCTRigorous JournalThe common cold: Current therapy and natural history
The common cold is complex and difficult to treat, with no cure and many ineffective remedies, but a new anticholinergic aqueous formulation can help control rhinorrhea.
Treatment of the common cold in children and adults.
Common cold treatment focuses on symptom relief, with some medications and herbal preparations being effective for adults.
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