Colds (cont.)
Medical Author:
Leon Salem, MD, MS, FACEP
Medical Editor:
Steven C Gabaeff, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Steven L Bernstein, MD
IN THIS ARTICLEMedical TreatmentMany people may see their doctor because they think antibiotics can treat a cold. Antibiotics kill bacteria by several mechanisms. Yet these same antibiotics have no effect on the tiny, simple virus. Don’t expect your doctor to prescribe an antibiotic for a cold, even if you request one. Antibiotics won’t prevent bacterial infections developing from a cold, such as sinusitis or ear infections, even if taken "just in case." Viewer Comments & ReviewsCommon Cold - TreatmentThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What symptoms did you experience with your cold? Common Cold - SymptomsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:How do you treat a common cold? |
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Rhinoviruses »
The common cold is an acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) characterized by mild coryzal symptoms, rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, and sneezing.
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