Common Cold

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Common Cold

The common cold is an upper respiratory infection caused by a virus. In the United States, adults have between 3 and 5.6 colds a year, and children have as many as 8.3.

Signs and Symptoms

	Sneezing and nasal congestion
	Sore throat, cough, or hoarseness
	Fever
	In children, sudden onset of fever (lasting two to three days), irritability, restlessness, and sneezing
	Headache

What Causes It?

More than 200 different types of viruses cause colds. You can get a cold by touching a person with a cold or by shaking hands with a person with a cold and then touching your nose or eyes. Colds are also transmitted through the air. Exposure to cold outdoor air and fatigue do not make you more likely to get a cold, although psychological stress may. People in large families are more likely to catch colds, as are children at day care centers and workers in office buildings.

What to Expect at Your Provider's Office

Most people diagnose and treat their own colds and do not see a doctor. Antibiotics and antihistamines cannot help cure your cold. Colds go away on their own after about 5 to 7 days for adults and 10 to 14 days for children.

Treatment Options

Treatment Plan

Because colds result from viral infections, there is no cure for a cold. However, there are things you can do to try to get well faster and to relieve your symptoms. Drinking a lot of water will help loosen secretions. Having warm drinks and inhaling warm steam will increase mucous flow. All of this will give you symptomatic relief. Reducing your activity while you have a cold will help you to avoid complications, such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

Drug Therapies

Prescription

	Nasal decongestants—may help in preventing sinus and ear infections; do not take if you have a heart condition or high blood pressure.
	Nasal sprays—use only for the recommended amount of time (usually 3 to 5 days). You can become dependent on them, and they can make your symptoms worse if used for too long.

Over the Counter

	Aspirin and other pain relievers—can be used for fever or aches. They may cause the immune system to respond more slowly or increase nasal symptoms (runny or stuffy nose). Take only if necessary. Do not give aspirin to children under 18 years of age. It can cause Reye's syndrome.
	There are also over-the-counter nasal decongestants and sprays.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Alternative therapies offer effective symptom relief. Also be sure to rest and drink plenty of fluids.

Nutrition

	Vitamin C (1,000 mg three to six times per day) enhances immune function
	Zinc (23 mg lozenges taken every two hours) may shorten the duration of a cold, and may also protect against the development of usual symptoms. This high dose is for short-term use only.
	Vitamin A (25,000 IU per day) maintains integrity of mucous membranes and stimulates antibody response. This high dose is for short-term use only.
	Beta-carotene (200,000 IU per day) stimulates the immune system and is an antioxidant; safe for women of childbearing age
	Avoid dairy and bananas. They increase mucus production.
	Garlic and onions have antiviral properties.

Herbs

Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, it is important to work with your provider on getting your problem diagnosed before you start any treatment. Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 to 4 cups per day. Tinctures (solutions made from herb and alcohol, or herb, alcohol, and water) may be used singly or in combination as noted.

	Coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia): helps your immune system function properly; controversy exists about whether to use it for longer than two to six weeks at a time and whether to use in people with autoimmune disorders or AIDS.
	Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis): antiviral, antibacterial
	Astragulus (Astragulus membraneceus): shortens duration of colds
	Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): antiviral, soothing to mucous membranes
	Elderberry (Sambuccus canadensis): antiviral, increases bronchial secretions

A mix of the above every two to four hours (1 cup tea or 30 to 60 drops tincture)

Homeopathy

Some of the most common remedies used for this condition are listed below. Usually, the dose is 12X to 30C every one to four hours until your symptoms get better.

	Allium cepa for colds with a lot of watery nasal discharge that burns and irritates the nostrils
	Euphrasia for colds with a lot of watery nasal watery discharge that is irritating to the eyes
	Aconite for colds that come on suddenly, with fever and anxiety
	Mercurius for a lot of irritating nasal discharge and general weakness

Following Up

Be sure to see your health care provider if you are not feeling better after 7 to 10 days or have developed new symptoms.

Special Considerations

Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or think you are pregnant. Some decongestants can be harmful to your baby.

Supporting Research

Behrman RE, ed. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 15th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 1996.

Cummings S, Ullman D. Homeopathic Medicines. Los Angeles, Calif: Jeremy P. Tarcher, Inc; 1984.

Dorn M, Knick E, Lewith G. Placebo-controlled, double-blind study of Echinacea pallidae radix in upper respiratory tract infections. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 1997;5:40–42.

Eby GA. Zinc ion availability—the determinant of efficacy in zinc lozenge treatment of common colds. J Antimicrob Chemother. 1997;40:483–493.

Fauci AS, Braunwald E, Isselbacher KJ et al, eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 14th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 1998.

Garland ML, Hagmeyer KO. The role of zinc lozenges in treatment of the common cold. Ann Pharmacother. 1998;32:63–69.

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C et al, eds. PDR for Herbal Medicines. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 1998:817.

Hoheisel O, Sandberg M, Bertram S, Bulitta M, Schäfer M. Echinagard treatment shortens the course of the common cold: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Eur J Clin Res. 1997;9:261–269.

Melchart D, Walther E, Linde K, Brandmeier R, Lersch, C. Echinacea root extracts for the prevention of upper respiratory tract infections. Archives of Family Medicine. 1998;7:541–545.

Morrison R. Desktop Guide to Keynotes and Confirmatory Symptoms. Albany, Calif: Hahnemann Clinic Publishing; 1993:3–6, 13–14, 158, 244–246.

Sazawal S, Black RE, Jalla S, et al. Zinc supplementation reduces the incidence of acute lower respiratory infections in infants and preschool children: a double-blind, controlled trial. Pediatrics. 1998;102(part 1):1–5.

Scaglione, et al. Efficacy and safety of the standardized ginseng extract G115 for potentiating vaccination against common cold and/or influenza syndrome. Drugs Exp Clin Res. 1996;22:65–72.

Schöneberger D. The influence of immune-stimulating effects of pressed juice from Echinaceapurpurea on the course and severity of colds. Forum Immunol. 1992;8:2–12.

The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any drugs or compounds currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is not intended as a guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the information provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized healthcare practitioner and to check product information (including package inserts) regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and contraindications before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed herein.