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
Alternative Treatments for ColdsAlternative treatments claim to either prevent colds or reduce the severity and length of time of symptoms. Some of the major treatments are zinc compounds, vitamin C, and echinacea supplements. Although there are some publications on these compounds, many clinicians consider the results inconclusive. Others suggest if the compounds are not used to excess, they may be helpful. Studies in 2012 suggested zinc may reduce symptoms by about one to two days but may produce a metallic taste or cause hearing difficulties. Some doctors suggest that the side effects are not worth the one to two days of reduced or absent symptoms. Check with your physician before using these treatments. 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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