How to shorten a cold
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Effective Strategies to Shorten the Duration of a Common Cold
The common cold, a viral infection affecting the upper respiratory tract, is a frequent ailment that can cause significant discomfort. While there is no cure, several treatments have been shown to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms. This article synthesizes the latest research on effective methods to shorten a cold.
Zinc Lozenges: A Proven Remedy
Zinc Gluconate Lozenges
Zinc gluconate lozenges have been demonstrated to significantly reduce the duration of common colds. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, subjects who took zinc lozenges every two hours while awake experienced a reduction in cold duration by about seven days compared to those who took a placebo. The study found that 86% of zinc-treated subjects were asymptomatic after seven days, compared to only 46% of the placebo group1. However, it is important to note that zinc lozenges can cause minor side effects such as an objectionable taste and mouth irritation.
Ineffectiveness of Zinc Nasal Sprays
Contrary to the positive results with zinc lozenges, zinc gluconate nasal sprays have not been effective in reducing the duration or severity of colds. A study found no significant difference between zinc-treated and placebo-treated patients, and some patients experienced pain in the olfactory region5. Therefore, zinc nasal sprays are not recommended for treating common colds.
Vitamin C: Supplementation and Extra Doses
Daily Supplementation and Extra Doses
Vitamin C has long been touted for its potential to combat colds. A meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled trials found that taking extra doses of vitamin C at the onset of a cold, in addition to routine daily supplementation, can reduce the duration of the illness. The analysis showed a mean reduction in cold duration and alleviation of symptoms such as chest pain, fever, and chills2. This suggests that while daily vitamin C supplementation may offer some benefits, additional doses at the onset of symptoms can be particularly effective.
Traditional Chinese Medicine: Ganduqing Granules
Efficacy of Ganduqing Granules
Traditional Chinese medicine, specifically Ganduqing granules, has shown promise in treating the common cold. A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that Ganduqing granules significantly reduced the time to clearance of all symptoms and alleviated specific symptoms such as nasal discharge, fatigue, and pharyngalgia. The granules also reduced inflammation and oxidative stress markers in the blood9. This provides strong evidence for the efficacy and safety of Ganduqing granules in shortening the duration of colds.
Symptomatic Treatments: Decongestants and Antihistamines
Nasal Decongestants and Antihistamines
For symptomatic relief, nasal decongestants and antihistamines can be effective. Topical and oral nasal decongestants can relieve nasal symptoms and are safe for use in adolescents and adults for up to three days. Antihistamines, particularly when combined with decongestants, can modestly improve symptoms in adults, though they come with potential side effects3. However, newer nonsedating antihistamines are not effective against cough.
Conclusion
While there is no cure for the common cold, several treatments can help shorten its duration and alleviate symptoms. Zinc gluconate lozenges and extra doses of vitamin C at the onset of symptoms are particularly effective. Traditional Chinese medicine, such as Ganduqing granules, also shows promise. For symptomatic relief, nasal decongestants and antihistamines can be useful. By employing these strategies, individuals can reduce the impact of colds and recover more quickly.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Reduction in duration of common colds by zinc gluconate lozenges in a double-blind study
Zinc gluconate lozenges effectively shorten the duration of common colds by about 7 days, with minor side effects mainly consisting of taste and mouth irritation.
RCT
Highly CitedExtra Dose of Vitamin C Based on a Daily Supplementation Shortens the Common Cold: A Meta-Analysis of 9 Randomized Controlled Trials
Extra doses of vitamin C, despite routine supplementation, may help reduce the duration of colds and relieve symptoms, such as chest pain, fever, and chills.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedTreatment 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 CitedTreatments for Symptoms of the Common Cold
Oral zinc may shorten cold duration and severity, but no single treatment significantly improves symptoms.
Ineffectiveness of zinc gluconate nasal spray and zinc orotate lozenges in common-cold treatment: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Zinc gluconate nasal spray and zinc orotate lozenges are ineffective in treating common colds, and introducing potentially permanent anosmia-inducing agents into the nasal cavity for temporary discomfort is unethical.
RCTColds
Colds are so common that almost every one has frequently suf fered from them, and yet very few persons have an intelligent idea of what a cold is, or that they are ever dangerous, or that they need any treatment at all. They are. to say the least, often very troublesome and annoying, and in some cases do certainly lead to more serious disorders. To know “how to cut a cold short” in a day or two would, to many people, be worth a great deal.
Treatment of Coryza
Vaccines have not shown a significant reduction in the number of common cold cases, but they may help prevent future outbreaks.
Mitochondrial calcium and postmortem muscle shortening.
Cold shortening in red mammalian muscles occurs due to mitochondrial calcium release under postmortem anaerobic conditions, which cannot be removed rapidly enough by the sarcoplasmic reticulum at low temperatures.
In Vitro StudyHighly 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 chilling of carcasses.
Chilling carcasses after slaughter is crucial for meat quality and palatability, with optimal chilling parameters affecting meat quality and palatability.
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