Drug therapy for the common cold.
10.5124/jkma.2015.58.2.147
- Author:
Soo Young KIM
1
Author Information
1. Department of Family Medicine, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. pclove@hallym.or.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Common cold;
Anti-inflammatory agents, non-steroidal;
Complementary therapies;
Nonprescription drugs;
Antitussive agents
- MeSH:
Acetaminophen;
Adrenal Cortex Hormones;
Adult;
Anti-Bacterial Agents;
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal;
Antitussive Agents;
Ascorbic Acid;
Child;
Codeine;
Common Cold*;
Complementary Therapies;
Cough;
Drug Therapy*;
Expectorants;
Garlic;
Geranium;
Histamine Antagonists;
Honey;
Humans;
Larynx;
Nasal Decongestants;
Nonprescription Drugs;
Nose;
Pharynx;
Probiotics;
Respiratory System;
Respiratory Tract Infections;
Zinc
- From:Journal of the Korean Medical Association
2015;58(2):147-153
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
The common cold is an acute, self-limiting viral infection of the upper respiratory tract involving the nose, sinuses, pharynx and larynx. Drug therapies for the common cold are normally aimed at relieving the symptoms of the illness. Over-the-counter cough and cold medications should not be used in children younger than four years old because of potential harms and lack of benefit. Antibiotics, antitussives, anti-histamines, and inhaled corticosteroids are not effective in children. Products that may improve symptoms in children include expectorants, mucolytics, honey, vitamin C, zinc lozenges, geranium extract, and nasal saline irrigation. In adults, antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, codeine, intranasal ipratopium, and antibiotics are not effective. Decongestants, antihistamine/decongestant combi-nations, expectorants, and mucolytics may improve cold symptoms in adults. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen reduce pain secondary to upper respiratory tract infection in adults. Among complementary and alternative medicinetherapeutics, products containing vitamin C, zinc, or garlic may improve cold symptoms in adults. Prophylactic use of probiotics may decrease the frequency of colds in adults and children.
