Am Fam Doc. 2012 Jul 15;86(2):153-159.

Patient information: Encounter related handouts on treating the common cold in adults and in children, written by the authors of this article.

Related letter: Homeopathic Remedies for Treatment of the Common Cold

Article Sections

  • Abstruse
  • Children
  • Adults
  • References

The common common cold, or upper respiratory tract infection, is one of the leading reasons for physician visits. By and large caused by viruses, the common cold is treated symptomatically. Antibiotics are not constructive in children or adults. In children, at that place is a potential for harm and no benefits with over-the-counter cough and common cold medications; therefore, they should not be used in children younger than four years. Other usually used medications, such equally inhaled corticosteroids, oral prednisolone, and Echinacea, also are ineffective in children. Products that amend symptoms in children include vapor rub, zinc sulfate, Pelargonium sidoides (geranium) extract, and buckwheat honey. Rubber probiotics, zinc sulfate, nasal saline irrigation, and the herbal grooming Chizukit reduce the incidence of colds in children. For adults, antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, codeine, nasal saline irrigation, Echinacea angustifolia preparations, and steam inhalation are ineffective at relieving common cold symptoms. Pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, inhaled ipratropium, and zinc (acetate or gluconate) modestly reduce the severity and duration of symptoms for adults. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and some herbal preparations, including Echinacea purpurea, meliorate symptoms in adults. Prophylactic apply of garlic may decrease the frequency of colds in adults, but has no effect on elapsing of symptoms. Hand hygiene reduces the spread of viruses that cause cold illnesses. Rubber vitamin C modestly reduces common cold symptom elapsing in adults and children.

The common cold, or upper respiratory tract infection, commonly is caused by i of several respiratory viruses, most commonly rhinovirus. These viruses, which concentrate in nasal secretions, are easily transmitted through sneezing, coughing, or nose blowing. Signs and symptoms of the common cold include fever, cough, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, sore throat, headache, and myalgias.

SORT: Fundamental RECOMMENDATIONS FOR Practise

Clinical recommendation Show rating References

Antibiotics should non exist used for the handling of common cold symptoms in children or adults.

A

7

Over-the-counter cough and cold medications should non be used in children younger than four years considering of potential harms and lack of do good.

B

4, 6, eleven

Treatment with buckwheat honey, Pelargonium sidoides (geranium) extract (Umcka Coldcare), nasal saline irrigation, vapor rub, or zinc sulfate may decrease common cold symptoms in children.

B

16xx

Codeine is not effective for coughing in adults.

A

xi, 24

Antihistamine monotherapy (sedating and nonsedating) does not better cold symptoms in adults.

A

eleven, 23, 29

Decongestants, antihistamine/decongestant combinations, and intranasal ipratropium (Atrovent) may better cold symptoms in adults.

B

11, 23, 32, 33

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce hurting secondary to upper respiratory tract infection in adults.

A

34

Andrographis paniculata (Kalmcold) and P. sidoides may reduce severity and duration of common cold symptoms in adults.

B

3537


Patients seek care for common cold symptoms during all seasons of the year, with coughing being the tertiary most common and nasal congestion the 15th about common presenting symptom among all office visits.one The mutual cold is the third virtually common chief diagnosis in office visits.i Colds are cocky-limited, usually lasting up to ten days; therefore, management is directed at symptom relief rather than treating the infection. Multiple remedies, including complementary and culling medicine products, over-the-counter products, and prescription drugs, accept been used to prevent and care for common cold symptoms.

When medications are requested, physicians play an important part in educating patients about the treatment choices. Many familiar prescription coughing and cold medications were removed from the market place in early 2011 considering the U.S. Nutrient and Drug Administration had not evaluated them for safety, effectiveness, or quality.2 Physicians should circumspection patients about over-the-counter and complementary and alternative medicine products because manufacturers are non required to prove claims of therapeutic benefit.

Children

  • Abstract
  • Children
  • Adults
  • References

Cold and cough medications are among the summit 20 substances leading to death in children younger than five years.three In 2008, the U.South. Food and Drug Administration recommended that over-the-counter cough and cold medications be avoided in children younger than two years.iv After the removal of over-the-counter infant cough and common cold medications from pharmacy shelves, the estimated number of emergency section visits for adverse events involving these medications was cut in one-half for children younger than ii years.five Manufacturers of these medications accept voluntarily modified the product labels to country that they should non be used in children younger than iv years.6

INEFFECTIVE INTERVENTIONS

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Products. Considering viruses cause most colds, antibiotics are ineffective.7 Low-dose inhaled corticosteroids8 and oral prednisolone9 do not improve outcomes in children without asthma. Echinacea products likewise are ineffective for treating cold symptoms in children.10 In that location is no evidence to support the apply of most over-the-counter coughing remedies in children.11,12 Table one summarizes findings of studies on these medications.vii14

Table 1.

Therapies Not Constructive for the Common Common cold in Children

Therapy Evidence Findings

Antibiotics

Cochrane review of iv studies7

No difference in persistence of symptoms for the common cold or acute purulent rhinitis compared with placebo

Carbocysteine

Cochrane review of 3 RCTs13

No meaning difference in cough, dyspnea, or overall general health compared with placebo

Dextromethorphan

One accomplice study12

Not superior to placebo in nocturnal coughing or slumber quality in the child or parents

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

One cohort study12

Non superior to placebo in nocturnal coughing or sleep quality in the child or parents

Echinacea purpurea

Cochrane review of ii RCTs10

No divergence in severity of symptoms, peak of symptom severity, number of days of fever, or parental report of severity score compared with placebo

Low-dose inhaled corticosteroids

Cochrane review of ii studies8

No decrease in the number of episodes requiring oral corticosteroids, emergency department visits, hospital admissions, the frequency of wheezing, or elapsing of episodes

Oral prednisolone

1 RCT of a five-day course9

No meaning difference in elapsing of hospitalization, interval between admission and discharge, mean seven-twenty-four hours symptom score reported by a parent, or hospital readmission for wheezing within ane calendar month compared with placebo

OTC antihistamines

Cochrane review of two studies11

No more effective than placebo for cough

OTC antihistamine with decongestant

Cochrane review of two studies11

No more constructive than placebo for coughing

OTC antitussives

Cochrane review of three studies11

No more effective than placebo for cough

OTC antitussive and bronchodilator

Cochrane review of one study11

No more effective than placebo for cough

Vitamin C

Non studied in children14


Fluids. Caregivers are often advised to increase a child's fluid intake. However, in 2 example series and a prevalence written report, some children with respiratory infections merely no signs of dehydration developed hyponatremia with increased fluids.fifteen Therefore, actress fluid intake is not advised in children because of potential harm.

EFFECTIVE INTERVENTIONS

Table 2 summarizes therapies that may be effective in children with the mutual cold.viii,13,1620

Tabular array two.

Therapies That May Be Constructive for the Common Common cold in Children

Therapy Age of children studied Dosing Duration of handling

Acetylcysteine13

0 to 18 years

Variable

Variable, upward to 28 days

Loftier-dose inhaled corticosteroids in children who are wheezing8

One to five years

Budesonide (Pulmicort), 1,600 mcg by MDI with nebuhaler or 3,200 mcg by MDI with nebuhaler and face up mask, if needed

Until asymptomatic for 24 hours

Ane to five years

Beclomethasone, 2,250 mcg daily past MDI

Five days

One to three years

Budesonide one,600 mcg past MDI with nebuhaler and face mask for first three days, then 800 mcg for some other seven days

Full of ten days

Honey (buckwheat)16

Two to five years

2.5 mL

Once

Half-dozen to 11 years

5 mL

Once

12 to 18 years

10 mL

Once

Nasal irrigation with saline17

Six to 10 years

3 to 9 mL per nostril

Up to three weeks

Pelargonium sidoides (geranium) excerpt (Umcka Coldcare)18

Ane to 18 years

ten to xxx drops (depending on age)

Seven days

Vapor rub19

2 to 5 years

5 mL

Once

Six to 11 years

10 mL

Once

Zinc sulfate20

1 to ten years

Syrup, xv mg per 5 mL

x days


Complementary and Alternative Medicine Products. Several of these therapies provide relief from cold symptoms. Vapor rub practical to the chest and cervix has been shown to improve cough severity and quality of sleep for the kid and parents, but it has a strong aroma that children may not tolerate.19 Studies regarding therapeutic use of zinc sulfate testify a trend toward decreased duration of common cold symptoms when information technology is taken within the get-go 24 hours of symptom onset.20 Adverse effects, such as bad gustatory modality and nausea, are more common with zinc lozenges than with syrup or tablets.20 Pelargonium sidoides (geranium) extract (Umcka Coldcare) may assistance resolve cough and sputum product in children with the common cold.18 Buckwheat honey is superior to placebo for reducing frequency of coughing, reducing bothersome cough, and improving quality of sleep for the child.sixteen Dear should not exist used in children younger than one yr because of the risk of botulism.

Nasal Irrigation and Acetylcysteine. During acute illness, nasal irrigation with saline can assistance alleviate sore pharynx, thin nasal secretions, and improve nasal breathing and can reduce the need for nasal decongestants and mucolytics.17 A systematic review of half dozen trials published in the 1990s constitute that acetylcysteine (commonly used in Europe, but not in the United States, as a mucolytic) may decrease cough after half dozen to vii days of therapy in children older than two years.xiii The main adverse effect of acetylcysteine is vomiting.

Inhaled Corticosteroids. Some children with viral cold symptoms also develop wheezing. Although low-dose corticosteroids are ineffective in these children, one review of high-dose inhaled corticosteroids found a trend toward decreased frequency of wheezing episodes that require oral corticosteroids, the duration of episodes, and the number of medico visits.8

PROPHYLAXIS

Tabular array 3 summarizes therapies that may exist effective for cold prophylaxis in children.14,17,2022

Tabular array 3.

Therapies That May Be Effective for Mutual Cold Prophylaxis in Children

Therapy Age of children studied Dosing Duration of treatment

Chizukit21

One to 3 years

five mL twice daily

12 weeks

Iv to v years

vii.5 mL twice daily

12 weeks

Nasal irrigation with saline17

Half-dozen to 10 years

3 to ix mL per nostril three times daily

Nine weeks

Probiotics*22

Three to v years

1 g (1 × 10x colony-forming units) mixed with 120 mL of i% milk twice daily

6 months

Vitamin C14

< 12 years

0.2 to 2 g daily

Two weeks to nine months

Zinc sulfate20

1 to 10 years

Syrup, 15 mg per 5 mL daily

Seven months

6.5 to sixteen years

Tablet, 10 mg daily

Six days per week for 5 months


Complementary and Alternative Medicine Products. Some of these products may help prevent colds if taken regularly. Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, alone or combined with Bifidobacterium animalis, taken by healthy children during the winter may reduce day care absences; the incidence of fever, coughing, and rhinorrhea; and the apply of antibiotics.22

A Cochrane review showed a 13 percent subtract in cold symptoms in children who took 1 one thousand of vitamin C daily before disease, although optimal duration of treatment to achieve these benefits is unknown.fourteen Zinc sulfate used prophylactically for at least five months reduces the incidence of viral colds, absences from school, and antibiotic apply in children.20

The herbal grooming Chizukit contains 50 mg per mL of Echinacea, 50 mg per mL of propolis, and 10 mg per mL of vitamin C.21 In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 430 children one to five years of age, Chizukit decreased the number of cold episodes, the number of days the kid was ill, and the number of days the child missed school. Information technology besides decreased the need for antipyretics and antibiotics; dr. visits; and episodes of otitis media, pneumonia, and tonsillitis. However, children may not comply with taking the product because of its unpleasant taste.21

Nasal Saline Irrigation. Nasal irrigation with saline as a preventive measure in children is better than standard treatment for multiple cold symptoms. Overall, the treatment decreases illness and nasal secretions, improving nasal breathing. These children also use fewer antipyretics, nasal decongestants, and mucolytics and have fewer school absences.17

Adults

  • Abstract
  • Children
  • Adults
  • References

INEFFECTIVE INTERVENTIONS

Table iv summarizes studies of medications that are ineffective for the mutual cold in adults.vii,eleven,fourteen,2328

Table four.

Therapies Not Effective for the Cold in Adults

Therapy Prove Findings

Antibiotics

Cochrane review of 9 RCTs7

No deviation in symptoms or purulent rhinitis compared with placebo

Antihistamine monotherapy (sedating and nonsedating)

Cochrane review of three RCTs11

No more effective than placebo

Cochrane review of 32 RCTs23

No more effective than placebo

Codeine

Cochrane review of 2 RCTs11

No more than effective than placebo for cough

American College of Chest Physicians24

Not recommended

Echinacea angustifolia

RCT with viral challenge25

No more than effective than placebo for cold symptoms

Intranasal corticosteroids

2 RCTs26,27

No more effective than placebo

Nasal irrigation with hypertonic or normal saline

One RCT28

No more constructive than observation

Vitamin C

Cochrane review of seven RCTs14

No more effective than placebo for reducing duration or severity of cold symptoms


Antibiotics and Antihistamines. In adults, as in children, antibiotics do not decrease the elapsing or severity of illness, even when purulent rhinitis is present.7 Sedating and nonsedating antihistamines are ineffective for cough and other common cold symptoms.eleven,23,29

Opioids, Intranasal Corticosteroids, and Nasal Saline Irrigation. Despite widespread use, codeine is no more effective than placebo for reducing cough.11,24 The American College of Breast Physicians (ACCP) does non recommend other opioids for the treatment of cough.24 Although intranasal corticosteroids reduce swelling and inflammation of the nasal mucosa, they have not been shown to significantly benefit patients with the common cold.26,27 Nasal irrigation with hypertonic or normal saline does non provide significant relief for common cold symptoms in adults.28

Complementary and Culling Medicine Products. When used solely for handling of symptoms afterward they appear, vitamin C does not consistently reduce their duration or severity.14 Herbal preparations containing Echinacea angustifolia are not beneficial.25 Many physicians accept recommended increased fluid intake and inhalation of heated, humidified air to thin secretions during a common cold. No randomized trials have assessed the issue of increasing fluid intake in adults,30 and a Cochrane review found inconsistent study results for steam inhalation.31

EFFECTIVE INTERVENTIONS

Decongestants With or Without Antihistamines. Oral or topical decongestants alone seem to be somewhat effective for brusque-term relief of cold symptoms, compared with placebo.32 Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine decrease nasal edema to improve air intake.32 Although antihistamines do not work as monotherapy, combination medications containing a first-generation antihistamine and decongestant may be slightly beneficial in relieving full general symptoms, nasal symptoms,23 and cough.11 Combination medications are recommended by the ACCP to care for acute cough.29

Anticholinergics, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin. Ipratropium (Atrovent) is the merely orally inhaled anticholinergic recommended by the ACCP for coughing acquired by a common cold,24 and one study showed that the nasal formulation decreases rhinorrhea and sneezing.33 Studies of dextromethorphan and guaifenesin for coughing are almost evenly split, with some demonstrating benefit and others not.xi,24

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs. These medications effectively save pain from headache, myalgias, and arthralgias experienced during a cold; notwithstanding, decreased sneezing is the only effect they have on respiratory symptoms.34 The ACCP has concluded that naproxen (Naprosyn) is beneficial in the handling of acute coughing.24

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Products. Table 5 summarizes the herbal preparations that may exist effective in adults.10,xiv,18,xx,3538 An herbal solution containing P. sidoides was shown to reduce the duration and severity of 10 different common cold symptoms in a randomized controlled trial.37 Another randomized controlled trial demonstrated the do good of Andrographis paniculata (Kalmcold) in improving symptom scores.35 A systematic review too indicated that A. paniculata, alone or in combination with Acanthopanax senticosus, may be more effective for symptom relief than placebo.36

Table v.

CAM Products That May Exist Effective for the Common Common cold in Adults

Training Dosing Duration of handling

Handling

Andrographis paniculata (Kalmcold)35,36

200 mg daily

5 days

Echinacea purpurea (solution of pressed juice of aerial parts and booze)x

4 mL twice daily

8 weeks

20 drops every two hours on twenty-four hours 1, then 20 drops three times daily

10 days

Pelargonium sidoides (geranium) extract (Umcka Coldcare)18,37

30 drops three times daily, alcohol root extract

10 days

Zinc acetate or gluconate20

Variable (lozenges contain between iv.5 and 23.seven mg of zinc)

As long as symptoms persist

Prophylaxis

Garlic38

Supplement with 180 mg of allicin

12 weeks

Vitamin C14

0.25 to 2 g daily

xl days to 28 weeks (mostly around three months)


Early utilize of Echinacea purpurea shortens duration and decreases severity of common cold symptoms; preparations with the aerial parts versus the flowering parts are most effective.10 Although dosages and preparations of zinc are not standardized, a Cochrane review showed that starting zinc lozenges (acetate or gluconate) within the get-go 24 hours of symptom onset reduces the severity and elapsing of illness.xx Adverse effects of zinc include bad taste and nausea.20 Intranasal zinc should not be used because it may result in the permanent loss of smell.39

PROPHYLAXIS

Few medications take been shown to exist beneficial in preventing the common cold in adults (Table five10,14,xviii,20,3538). The safety use of vitamin C does not reduce the incidence of colds, but decreases illness duration by viii percent.14 Limited, poor-quality studies of garlic show a decrease in the number of self-reported colds, merely no decrease in days to recovery. Adverse effects from garlic included bad odor and peel rash.38

Frequent mitt washing can reduce the spread of respiratory viruses in all ages and tin can reduce transmission from children to other household members.40 In a large meta-analysis, the benefits of antibacterial and nonantibacterial soaps were not significantly dissimilar.41 Benzalkonium chloride–based hand sanitizers that foam and leave a residue have a protective upshot against colds. Alcohol hand sanitizers are less effective.41

Data Sources: A search of Essential Show Plus was completed using the fundamental words cold and respiratory tract infections. This search included InfoPOEMs, Cochrane reviews, and do guidelines. Nosotros likewise searched Dynamed and the U.S. Nutrient and Drug Assistants Web site for specific information regarding changes in recommendations for the use of cough and cold medications in children. Search dates: March 22, 2011, to April 6, 2011.

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The Authors

show all writer info

JULIA FASHNER, Md, FAAFP, is an associate director at the St. Joseph Family Medicine Residency, Mishawaka, Ind....

KEVIN ERICSON, Medico, FAAFP, is an acquaintance director at the St. Joseph Family Medicine Residency.

SARAH WERNER, Practice, is a third-twelvemonth resident at the St. Joseph Family Medicine Residency.

Address correspondence to Julia Fashner, MD, FAAFP, St. Joseph Family Medicine Residency, 611 Eastward. Douglas Rd., Ste. 412, Mishawaka, IN 46545 (eastward-mail service: fashnerj@sjrmc.com). Reprints are not available from the authors.

Writer disclosure: No relevant fiscal affiliations to disclose.

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14. Douglas RM, Hemilä H, Chalker E, Treacy B. Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007;(3):CD000980.

15. Guppy MP, Mickan SM, Del Mar CB. "Beverage enough of fluids": a systematic review of evidence for this recommendation in acute respiratory infections. BMJ. 2004;328(7438):499–500.

16. Paul IM, Beiler J, McMonagle A, Shaffer ML, Duda Fifty, Berlin CM Jr. Effect of honey, dextromethorphan, and no handling on nocturnal cough and sleep quality for coughing children and their parents. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2007;161(12):1140–1146.

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35. Saxena RC, Singh R, Kumar P, et al. A randomized double bullheaded placebo controlled clinical evaluation of excerpt of Andrographis paniculata (KalmCold) in patients with elementary upper respiratory tract infection. Phytomedicine. 2010;17(3–four):178–185.

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38. Lissiman Eastward, Bhasale AL, Cohen M. Garlic for the cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009;(3):CD006206.

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