Colds (cont.)
Medical Author:
Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD
Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhDDr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications. Medical Editor:
John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEPJohn P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey. IN THIS ARTICLE
Medical Treatment for a ColdMany people may see their doctor because they think antibiotics can treat a cold. Antibiotics may kill bacteria but have no effect on viruses that usually cause colds. Don't expect the doctor to prescribe an antibiotic for a cold, even if one is requested. Antibiotics may not prevent bacterial infections developing from a cold, such as sinusitis or ear infections, even if taken "just in case" and may lead to diarrhea or the development of more serious problems such as infection with Clostridium difficile or allow some organisms become resistant to the antibiotics. Next Page: Must Read Articles Related to Colds
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Viewer Comments & ReviewsCommon Cold - What You Do to AvoidThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What symptoms did you experience with your cold? Common Cold - SymptomsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What was your common cold symptoms and signs? |
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The common cold is an acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) characterized by mild coryzal symptoms, rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, and sneezing.
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