Common cold

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The common cold is a "catarrhal[1] disorder of the upper respiratory tract, which may be viral, a mixed infection, or an allergic reaction. It is marked by acute coryza,[2] slight rise in temperature, chilly sensations, and general indisposition."[3]

Diagnosis

The United States Food and Drug Administration has approved xTAG™ Respiratory Viral Panel (RVP) for detecting viral causes.[4]

Treatment

Naproxen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, may reduce "symptoms of headache, malaise, myalgia, and cough".[5]

Regarding over-the-counter (OTC) medications, "there is no good evidence for or against the effectiveness of OTC medicines in acute cough" according to a systematic review by the Cochrane Collaboration.[6]

"P. sidoides may be effective in alleviating symptoms of acute rhinosinusitis and the common cold in adults, but doubt exists," according to a systematic review by the Cochrane Collaboration.[7]

References

  1. Inflammation of the nose and throat with increased production of mucus.
  2. inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the nose (usually associated with nasal discharge).
  3. Anonymous (2024), Common cold (English). Medical Subject Headings. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
  4. Anonymous (2008). New Device Approval - xTAG™ Respiratory Viral Panel (RVP) - K063765. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved on 2008-11-04.
  5. Sperber SJ, Hendley JO, Hayden FG, Riker DK, Sorrentino JV, Gwaltney JM (1992). "Effects of naproxen on experimental rhinovirus colds. A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial". Ann. Intern. Med. 117 (1): 37-41. PMID 1317694[e]
  6. Smith SM, Schroeder K, Fahey T (2008). "Over-the-counter medications for acute cough in children and adults in ambulatory settings". Cochrane Database Syst Rev (1): CD001831. DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD001831.pub3. PMID 18253996. Research Blogging.
  7. Timmer A, Günther J, Rücker G, Motschall E, Antes G, Kern WV (2008). "Pelargonium sidoides extract for acute respiratory tract infections". Cochrane Database Syst Rev (3): CD006323. DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD006323.pub2. PMID 18646148. Research Blogging.