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{{ DiseaseDisorder infobox
| Name = Acute nasopharyngitis
| Image = Rhinovirus.PNG
| Caption = [[Rhinovirus]]es cause most common colds
| ICD10 = {{ICD10|J|00|0|j|00}}
| ICD9 = {{ICD9|460}}
| DiseasesDB = 31088
| MedlinePlus = 000678
| eMedicineSubj = aaem
| eMedicineTopic = 118
| eMedicine_mult = {{eMedicine2|med|2339}}
| MeshID = D003139
}}

'''Acute viral nasopharyngitis,''' or '''acute coryza''', usually known as the '''common cold''', is a highly contagious, [[virus (biology)|viral]] [[infectious disease]] of the upper [[respiratory system]], primarily caused by [[picornavirus]]es (including [[rhinovirus]]es) or [[coronavirus]]es.

Common symptoms are [[Pharyngitis|sore throat]], [[rhinitis|runny nose]], [[nasal congestion]], [[sneeze|sneezing]] and [[cough]]; sometimes accompanied by [[conjunctivitis|'pink eye']], [[myalgia|muscle aches]], [[fatigue (medical)|fatigue]], [[malaise]], [[headache]]s, [[muscle weakness]], and [[Anorexia (symptom)|loss of appetite]]. [[Fever]] and extreme [[fatigue (medical)|exhaustion]] are more usual in [[influenza]]. The symptoms of a cold usually resolve after about one week, but can last up to two. Symptoms may be more severe in infants and young children. Although the disease is generally mild and self-limiting, patients with common colds often seek professional medical help, use [[over-the-counter drug]]s, and may miss school or work days. The annual cumulative societal cost of the common cold in developed countries is considerable in terms of money spent on remedies, and hours of work lost.

The primary method to prevent infection is hand-washing to minimize person-to-person transmission of the virus. There are no [[antiviral]] drugs approved to treat or cure the infection. Most available medications are [[palliative care|palliative]] and treat symptoms only. [[Vitamin C megadosage|Megadoses of vitamin C]], preparations from [[echinacea]], and [[zinc gluconate]] have been studied as treatments for the common cold although none has been approved by the [[Food and Drug Administration]] or [[European Medicines Agency]].

{{TOClimit|limit=3}}
==Pathology==
===Epidemiology===

Upper respiratory tract infections are the most common infectious diseases among adults and teens, who have two to four respiratory infections annually.<ref name="pmid4014285">{{cite journal | author = Garibaldi RA | title = Epidemiology of community-acquired respiratory tract infections in adults. Incidence, etiology, and impact | journal = Am. J. Med. | volume = 78 | issue = 6B | pages = 32–7 | year = 1985 | pmid = 4014285 | doi = 10.1016/0002-9343(85)90361-4}}</ref> Children may have six to ten colds a year (and up to 12 colds a year for school children).<ref name="NIAID2006"/><ref name="pmid17323712">{{cite journal | author = Simasek M, Blandino DA | title = Treatment of the common cold | journal = American family physician | volume = 75 | issue = 4 | pages = 515–20 | year = 2007 | pmid = 17323712 | url = http://www.aafp.org/afp/20070215/515.html | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD000980.pub3<br | doi_brokendate = 2008-06-26}}</ref> In the United States, the incidence of colds is higher in the fall and winter, with most infections occurring between September and April. The seasonality may be due to the start of the school year, or due to people spending more time indoors (thus in closer proximity with each other) increasing the chance of transmission of the virus.<ref name="NIAID2006"/>

===Etiology===
Common colds are most often caused by infection by one of the more than 100 [[serovar|serotypes]] of [[rhinovirus]], a type of [[picornavirus]]. Other viruses causing colds are [[coronavirus]], [[human parainfluenza viruses]], [[human respiratory syncytial virus]], [[Adenoviridae|adenoviruses]], [[enterovirus]]es, or [[metapneumovirus]].<ref name="Merck">{{cite web | title = Common Cold (Upper Respiratory Infection) | work = The Merck Manual Online | publisher = [[Merck & Co.]] |month=November | year=2005 | url = http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec14/ch188/ch188c.html | accessdate = 2007-06-13}}</ref><ref name="CKS">{{cite web | author = CKS | year = 2007 | title = Common Cold (Topic Review) | publisher = Clinical Knowledge Summaries Service | url = http://www.cks.library.nhs.uk/common_cold/view_whole_topic_review | accessdate = 2007-07-21}}</ref> Due to the many different types of viruses, it is not possible to gain complete immunity to the common cold.<ref>[http://www.suncoast.com.au/svnews/00-07-04/p7a.html CLEM'S COLUMN - The Common Cold<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

===Transmission===
[[Image:Illu conducting passages.jpg|thumb|The common cold is a disease of the [[upper respiratory tract]]]]

The common cold virus is transmitted between people by one of two mechanisms:
*in [[aerosol]] form generated by coughing, sneezing.
*from contact with the saliva or nasal secretions of an infected person, either directly or from contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms are not necessary for viral shedding or transmission, as a percentage of asymptomatic subjects exhibit viruses in nasal swabs.<ref name=gsacc>{{cite web | url=http://dh.sa.gov.au/pehs/Youve-got-what/ygw-common-cold.pdf |type = pdf | title=Common Cold | publisher=Department of Health, Government of South Australia | year=2005 | accessdate=2007-06-20|format=PDF}}</ref>

The virus enters the [[cell (biology)|cells]] of the lining of the [[nasopharynx]] (the area between the nose and throat), and rapidly multiplies. The major entry point is normally the nose, but can also be the eyes (in this case drainage into the nasopharynx would occur through the [[nasolacrimal duct]]).

==Symptoms==

After initial infection, the viral replication cycle begins within 8 to 12 hours.<ref name="coldorg">{{cite web | author = Gwaltney, JM, Hayden, FG | title = Understanding Colds |year=2006 | url = http://www.commoncold.org/index.htm | accessdate = 2007-07-03}}</ref> Symptoms can occur shortly thereafter, and usually begin within 2 to 5 days after infection, although occasionally in as little as 10 hours after infection.<ref name="coldorg">{{cite web | author = Patsy Hamilton | url = http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/6125/1/Facts-about-the-Common-Cold-Incubation-Period.html | accessdate = 2007-07-03}}</ref> The first indication of a cold is often a [[Pharyngitis|sore or scratchy throat]]. Other common symptoms are [[rhinorrhea|runny nose]], [[Nasal congestion|congestion]], [[sneeze|sneezing]] and [[cough]]. These are sometimes accompanied by [[myalgia|muscle aches]], [[Fatigue (medical)|fatigue]], [[malaise]], [[headache]], [[Muscle weakness|weakness]], or [[anorexia|loss of appetite]].<ref name="CCCentre">{{cite web | url = http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/biosi/subsites/cold/commoncold.html | title = Common Cold Centre | accessdate = 2007-09-06 |year=2006 | publisher = Cardiff University }}</ref> Colds occasionally cause [[fever]] and can sometimes lead to extreme exhaustion. (However, these symptoms are more usual in [[influenza]], and can differentiate the two infections.) The symptoms of a cold usually resolve after about one week, but can last up to 14 days, with a cough lasting longer than other symptoms. Symptoms may be more severe in infants and young children, and may include fever and [[urticaria|hives]].<ref name="Nordenberg1999">{{cite web | last = Nordenberg | first = Tamar | title = Colds and Flu: Time Only Sure Cure | publisher = [[Food and Drug Administration]] |month=May | year=1999 | url = http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/896_flu.html | accessdate = 2007-06-13}}</ref><ref name="NIAID2006">{{cite web | title = Common Cold | publisher = [[National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases]] | date = [[2006-11-27]] | url = http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/healthscience/healthtopics/colds/ | accessdate = 2007-06-11}}</ref><ref name="ALA2005">{{cite web | title = A Survival Guide for Preventing and Treating Influenza and the Common Cold | publisher = [[American Lung Association]] |month=August | year=2005 | url = http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=35873#done | accessdate = 2007-06-11}}</ref><ref name="HivesACAAI">{{cite web | url = http://www.acaai.org/public/advice/urtic.htm | title = Hives | accessdate = 2007-11-24 | publisher = [[American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology]]}}</ref><ref name=CLA>{{ cite web | url = http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/a-z/cold-rhume/index_e.php | title = Common Cold | publisher = Canadian Lung Association | date = [[2006-09-28]] | accessdate = 2007-07-16 }}</ref><ref name=CPS2>{{ cite web | title = Colds in children | publisher = Canadian Pediatric Society |month=October | year=2005 | url = http://www.cps.ca/caringforkids/whensick/colds.htm | accessdate = 2007-07-16 }}</ref>

==Complications==

The common cold can lead to [[Opportunistic infection|opportunistic]] [[coinfection]]s or [[superinfection]]s such as [[acute bronchitis]], [[bronchiolitis]], [[croup]], [[pneumonia]], [[sinusitis]], [[otitis media]], or [[strep throat]]. People with chronic lung diseases such as [[asthma]] and [[COPD]] are especially vulnerable. Colds may cause acute exacerbations of [[asthma]], [[emphysema]] or [[chronic bronchitis]].<ref name="coldorg"/><ref name="Merck"/><ref name="CKS"/>

==Economic cost==
{{Globalize/USA}}
===USA===
[[Image:The Cost Of The Common Cold & Influenza.jpg|thumb|An [[United States|American]] poster from [[World War II]] describing the cost of the common cold]]

In the USA, the common cold leads to 75 to 100 million physician visits annually at a conservative cost estimate of $7.7 billion per year. Americans spend $2.9 billion on over-the-counter drugs and another $400 million on prescription medicines for symptomatic relief.<ref name="pmid4014285"/><ref name="pmid12588210">{{cite journal | author = Fendrick AM, Monto AS, Nightengale B, Sarnes M | title = The economic burden of non-influenza-related viral respiratory tract infection in the United States | journal = Arch. Intern. Med. | volume = 163 | issue = 4 | pages = 487–94 | year = 2003 | pmid = 12588210 | url = http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/163/4/487 | doi = 10.1001/archinte.163.4.487}}</ref>

More than one-third of patients who saw a doctor received an antibiotic prescription, which not only contributes to unnecessary costs ($1.1 billion annually on an estimated 41 million antibiotic prescriptions in the United States), but also has implications for antibiotic resistance from overuse of such drugs.<ref name="pmid12588210"/>

An estimated 22 to 189 million school days are missed annually due to a cold. As a result, parents missed 126 million workdays to stay home to care for their children. When added to the 150 million workdays missed by employees suffering from a cold, the total economic impact of cold-related work loss exceeds $20 billion.<ref name="NIAID2006"/><ref name="pmid4014285"/><ref name="pmid12588210"/>

==Prevention==
[[Image:Pneumonia strikes like a man eating shark.jpg|thumb|Poster encouraging citizens to "Consult your Physician" for treatment of the common cold]]

The best way to avoid a cold is to avoid close contact with existing sufferers; to wash hands thoroughly and regularly; and to avoid touching the mouth and face. Anti-bacterial soaps have no effect on the cold virus; it is the mechanical action of hand washing with the soap that removes the virus particles.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/chn-rcs/handwash-eng.php |title=Staying healthy is in your hands - Public Health Agency Canada |format= |work= |accessdate=2008-05-05|date=2008-04-17}}</ref>

In 2002, the [[Centers for Disease Control|Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]] recommended alcohol-based hand gels as an effective method for reducing infectious viruses on the hands of health care workers.<ref>{{cite journal
| last = Boyce
| first = John M.
| coauthors = Didier Pittet
| title = Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Health-Care Settings: Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Health-Care Settings Recommendations of the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee and the HICPAC/SHEA/APIC/IDSA Hand Hygiene Task Force
| journal = [[Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report]]
| date = [[2002-10-25]]
| volume = 51
| issue = RR-16
| url = http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr5116.pdf
| format = pdf
| pmid = 12418624
| accessdate = 2007-06-21
}}</ref>
As with hand washing with soap and water, alcohol gels provide no residual protection from re-infection.

The common cold is caused by a large variety of viruses, which mutate quite frequently during reproduction, resulting in constantly changing virus strains. Thus, successful [[immunization]] is highly improbable.

==Exposure to cold weather==
[[Image:Snowstorm.jpg|thumb|Exposure to cold weather has not been proven to increase the likelihood of "catching" a cold]]

Although common colds are seasonal, with more occurring during winter, experiments so far have failed to produce evidence that short-term exposure to cold weather or direct chilling increases susceptibility to infection, implying that the seasonal variation is instead due to a change in behaviors such as increased time spent indoors at close proximity to others.<ref name="NIAID2006"/><ref name="pmid13559211">{{cite journal | author = Dowling HF, Jackson GG, Spiesman IG, Inouye T | title = Transmission of the common cold to volunteers under controlled conditions. III. The effect of chilling of the subjects upon susceptibility | journal = American journal of hygiene | volume = 68 | issue = 1 | pages = 59–65 | year = 1958 | pmid = 13559211}}</ref><ref name="pmid12357708">{{cite journal | author = Eccles R | title = Acute cooling of the body surface and the common cold | journal = Rhinology | volume = 40 | issue = 3 | pages = 109–14 | year = 2002 | pmid = 12357708}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | author = Douglas, R.G.Jr, K.M. Lindgren, and R.B. Couch | title = Exposure to cold environment and rhinovirus common cold. Failure to demonstrate effect | journal = New Engl. J. Med | volume = 279 | year = 1968}}<!-- Please confirm, was the follow ref the correct one?--></ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Douglas RC, Couch RB, Lindgren KM |title=Cold doesn't affect the "common cold" in study of rhinovirus infections |journal=JAMA |volume=199 |issue=7 |pages=29–30 |year=1967 |pmid=4289651 |doi= 10.1001/jama.199.7.29|url=}}</ref>

With respect to the causation of cold-like ''symptoms'', researchers at the Common Cold Centre at [[Cardiff University]]<ref name="CCCentre"/> conducted a study to "test the hypothesis that acute cooling of the feet causes the onset of common cold symptoms."<ref name="pmid16286463">{{cite journal | author = Johnson C, Eccles R | title = Acute cooling of the feet and the onset of common cold symptoms | journal = Family Practice | volume = 22 | issue = 6 | pages = 608–13 | year = 2005 | pmid = 16286463 | doi = 10.1093/fampra/cmi072 | url = http://fampra.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/22/6/608}}</ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/4433496.stm ''Mothers 'were right' over colds''], [[BBC News]], 14 November 2005</ref><ref>[http://www.medpagetoday.com/Pulmonary/URIstheFlu/tb/2136 ''Cold Feet? Aah-Choo!''], Michael Smith, Medical News: Flu & URI, Medpagetoday, November 14, 2005</ref> The study measured the subjects' self-reported cold symptoms, and belief they had a cold, but not whether an actual respiratory infection developed. It found that a significantly greater number of those subjects chilled developed cold symptoms 4 or 5 days after the chilling. It concludes that the onset of common cold ''symptoms'' can be caused by acute chilling of the feet. Some possible explanations were suggested for the symptoms, such as placebo, or constriction of blood vessels of the nasal passages which might lead to reduced immunity, however "further studies are needed to determine the relationship of symptom generation to any respiratory infection."

==Treatment==
As there is no medically proven and accepted medication directly targeting the causative agent, there is no cure for the common cold. Treatment is limited to symptomatic supportive options, maximizing the comfort of the patient, and limiting complications and harmful [[sequelae]].

The common cold is self-limiting, and the host's [[immune system]] effectively deals with the infection. Within a few days, the body's [[humoral]] immune response begins producing specific [[antibodies]] that can prevent the virus from infecting cells. Additionally, as part of the cell-mediated immune response, [[leukocytes]] destroy the virus through [[phagocytosis]] and destroy infected cells to prevent further viral replication. In healthy, immunocompetent individuals, the common cold resolves in seven days on average.<ref name="coldorg"/>

===Palliative care===
The [[National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases]] suggests getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids to maintain hydration, [[gargling]] with warm salt water, using cough drops, throat sprays, or [[over-the-counter drug|over-the-counter]] pain or cold medicines.<ref name="NIAID2006"/> Saline nasal drops may help alleviate congestion.<ref name=PDRCC>{{cite web
| title = Common Cold
| work = PDRHealth
| publisher = Thomson Healthcare
| url = http://www.pdrhealth.com/disease/disease-mono.aspx?contentFileName=BHG01ID25.xml&contentName=Common+Cold&contentId=30
| accessdate = 2007-07-11
}}</ref>

The [[American Lung Association]] recommends avoiding [[coffee]], [[tea]] or [[cola]] drinks that contain [[caffeine]] and avoiding [[alcoholic beverage]]s, saying that both caffeine and alcohol cause [[dehydration]].<ref name="ALA2005"/> However, a study reported in 2000, as well as the U.S. Institute of Medicine in 2004, say that caffeinated beverages and non-caffeinated beverages equally meet the need for fluids.<ref>"Surprise:Ten Myths that can trip you up", ''Nutrition Action Health Newsletter'', January/February 2008, page 6; cites {{cite journal |author=Grandjean AC, Reimers KJ, Bannick KE, Haven MC |title=The effect of caffeinated, non-caffeinated, caloric and non-caloric beverages on hydration |journal=J Am Coll Nutr |volume=19 |issue=5 |pages=591–600 |year=2000 |pmid=11022872 |doi= |url=http://www.jacn.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=11022872}}</ref>

===Antibiotics===
[[Antibiotics]], targeted primarily to [[microorganism]]s like [[bacteria]] and [[fungus]], do not have any beneficial effect against the common cold. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses.

===Antivirals===
There are no approved [[antiviral drug]]s for the common cold.

[[ViroPharma]] and [[Schering-Plough]] are developing an antiviral drug, [[pleconaril]], that targets [[Picornaviridae|picornaviruses]], the viruses that cause the majority of common colds. [[Pleconaril]] has been shown to be effective in an [[Route of administration|oral]] form.<ref>{{cite journal
| last = Pevear
| first = Daniel C.
| coauthors = Tina M. Tull, Martin E. Seipel, James M. Groarke
| year = 1999
| month = September
| title = Activity of Pleconaril against Enteroviruses
| journal = Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
| volume = 43
| issue = 9
| pages = 2109–2115
| url = http://aac.asm.org/cgi/content/full/43/9/2109
| language =
| pmid = 10471549
| date = 09/01/1999
}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal
| quotes =
| last = McConnell
| first = J.
| date = [[2 October]] [[1999]]
| title = Enteroviruses succumb to new drug
| journal = The Lancet
| volume = 354
| issue = 9185
| pages = 1185
| doi = 10.1016/S0140-6736(05)75393-9
}}</ref>
[[Schering-Plough]] is developing an [[Route of administration|intra-nasal]] formulation that may have fewer adverse effects.<ref name="CTgov">{{cite web
| url = http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/show/NCT00394914
| title = Effects of Pleconaril Nasal Spray on Common Cold Symptoms and Asthma Exacerbations Following Rhinovirus Exposure (Study P04295AM2)
| month = March
| year = 2007
| accessdate = 2007-04-10
| publisher = U.S. [[National Institutes of Health]]
| work = ClinicalTrials.gov
}}</ref>

===Over-the-counter symptom medicines===
There are a number of effective treatments which, rather than treat the viral infection, focus on relieving the symptoms. For some people, colds are relatively minor inconveniences and they can go on with their daily activities with tolerable discomfort. This discomfort has to be weighed against the price and possible side effects of the remedies.
*[[analgesic]]s such as [[aspirin]] or [[paracetamol]] (acetaminophen), as well as localised versions targeting the throat (often delivered in [[lozenge]] form)
*nasal decongestants such as [[pseudoephedrine]] or [[oxymetazoline]] which reduce the inflammation in the nasal passages by constricting dilated local blood vessels
*[[cough medicine|cough suppressants]] such as [[dextromethorphan]] which suppress the cough reflex.
*first-generation [[anti-histamine]]s such as [[brompheniramine]], [[chlorpheniramine]], [[diphenhydramine]] and [[clemastine]] (which reduce mucus gland secretion and thus combat blocked/runny noses but also may make the user drowsy). Second-generation anti-histamines do not have a useful effect on colds.<ref name=CPS1>{{ cite web | title = Using over-the-counter drugs to treat cold symptoms | publisher = Canadian Pediatric Society | month = March | year = 2005 | url = http://www.cps.ca/caringforkids/whensick/otc_drugs.htm | accessdate = 2007-07-16 }}</ref>

===Herbal remedies===
{| border="0" align="center" cellpadding="5"
|+ '''Herbs often used in naturopathic cold remedies'''
! [[Chamomile]] !! [[Liquorice]] !! [[Garlic]] !! [[Ginger]]
|-
| align="center" valign="top" | [[Image:Koeh-091.jpg|150px]]
| align="center" valign="top" | [[Image:Illustration Glycyrrhiza glabra0.jpg|150px]]
| align="center" valign="top" | [[Image:Allium sativum Woodwill 1793.jpg|150px]]
| align="center" valign="top" | [[Image:Koeh-146.jpg|150px]]
|}

[[Herbal tea]]s, such as [[German Chamomile|chamomile]] tea, or [[lemon]] or [[ginger root]] [[tisane]]s may soothe some symptoms and comfort the patient. [[Liquorice]] and [[garlic]] preparations have been suggested as treatments for the common cold, although their effectiveness is unproven.<ref name="ALA2005"/><ref name=NYT20070815>{{cite news | accessdate = 2007-08-15 | title = Keeping Colds at Bay. Or Maybe Not | last = Duenwald | first = Mary | date = [[2005-01-01]] | publisher = [[New York Times]] | url = http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/01/health/01cons.html?ei=5070 }}</ref>

====Echinacea====
[[Image:EchinaceaPurpureaMaxima1a.UME.JPG|thumb|[[Echinacea]] flower]]

[[Echinacea]], commonly called coneflowers, is a plant commonly used in herbal preparations for the treatment of the common cold.

Although there have been scientific studies evaluating echinacea, its effectiveness has not been convincingly demonstrated. For example, a peer-reviewed [[clinical study]] published in the [[New England Journal of Medicine]] concluded that "…extracts of E. angustifolia root, either alone or in combination, do not have clinically significant effects on rhinovirus infection or on the clinical illness that results from it."<ref name = "NEJM">
{{cite journal
| last = Turner
| first = Ronald B.
| coauthors = Rudolf Bauer, Karin Woelkart, Thomas C. Hulsey, J. David Gangemi,
| date = [[2005-07-28]]
| title = An Evaluation of Echinacea angustifolia in Experimental Rhinovirus Infections
| journal = New England Journal of Medicine
| volume = 353
| issue = 4
| pages = 341–348
| url = http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract/353/4/341
| accessdate = 2007-02-12
| doi = 10.1056/NEJMoa044441
| pmid = 16049208
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
| last = Kolata
| first = Gina
| title = Study Says Popular Herb Has No Effect on Colds
| work = [[New York Times]]
|date=2006-07-28
| url = http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=health&res=9805E5DC103FF93BA15754C0A9639C8B63
| accessdate = 2007-07-07
}}</ref>
Recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in adults have not shown a beneficial effect of echinacea on symptom severity or duration of the cold.<ref name="pmid15197051">
{{cite journal | author = Yale SH, Liu K | title = Echinacea purpurea therapy for the treatment of the common cold: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial | journal = Arch. Intern. Med. | volume = 164 | issue = 11 | pages = 1237–41 | year = 2004 | pmid = 15197051 | doi = 10.1001/archinte.164.11.1237 }}</ref><ref name="pmid12484708">{{cite journal | author = Barrett BP, Brown RL, Locken K, Maberry R, Bobula JA, D'Alessio D | title = Treatment of the common cold with unrefined echinacea. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial | journal = Ann. Intern. Med. | volume = 137 | issue = 12 | pages = 939–46 | year = 2002 | pmid = 12484708 | doi =10.1001/archinte.137.7.939 }}</ref>
A structured review of 9 placebo controlled studies suggested that the effectiveness of echinacea in the treatment of colds has not been established.<ref name="pmid15736012">{{cite journal | author = Caruso TJ, Gwaltney JM | title = Treatment of the common cold with echinacea: a structured review
| journal = Clin. Infect. Dis. | volume = 40 | issue = 6 | pages = 807–10 | year = 2005 | pmid = 15736012 | doi = 10.1086/428061}}</ref>
Conversely, two recent meta-analyses of published medical articles concluded that there is some evidence that echinacea may reduce either the duration or severity of the common cold, but results are not fully consistent. However, there have been no large, randomized placebo-controlled clinical studies that definitively demonstrate either prophylaxis or therapeutic effects in adults.<ref>{{cite journal
| last = Shah
| first = Sachin A
| coauthors = S. Sander, C. White, M. Rinaldi, C. Coleman
| year = 2007
| month = July
| title = Evaluation of echinacea for the prevention and treatment of the common cold: a meta-analysis
| journal = The Lancet Infectious Diseases
| volume = 7
| issue = 7
| pages = 473–480
| pmid = 17597571
| doi = 10.1016/S1473-3099(07)70160-3
}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal
| last = Linde
| first = K
| coauthors = Barrett B, Wölkart K, Bauer R, Melchart D.
| year = 2006
| month = January
| title = Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold
| journal = Cochrane database of systematic reviews
| pmid = 16437427
| doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD000530.pub2
}}</ref>
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 407 children of ages ranging from 2 to 11 years showed that echinacea did not reduce the duration of the cold, nor reduce the severity of the symptoms.<ref name="pmid14657066">{{cite journal
| author = Taylor JA, Weber W, Standish L, Quinn H, Goesling J, McGann M, Calabrese C
| title = Efficacy and safety of echinacea in treating upper respiratory tract infections in children: a randomized controlled trial
| journal = JAMA
| volume = 290
| issue = 21
| pages = 2824–30
| year = 2003
| pmid = 14657066
| doi = 10.1001/jama.290.21.2824
}}</ref>
Most authoritative sources consider the effect of echinacea on the cold unproven.<ref name="NIAID2006"/><ref name="pmid17323712"/><ref name="Merck"/><ref name="ALA2005"/><ref name="MayoEch">{{cite web | url = http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/echinacea/NS_patient-echinacea | title = Echinacea (E. angustifolia DC, E. pallida, E. purpurea) | accessdate = 2007-11-03 | author = The Natural Standard Research Collaboration | date = [[2006-08-01]] | publisher = Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research | quote = }}</ref><ref name="UMMCEch">{{cite web | url = http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/echinacea-000239.htm | title = Echinacea | accessdate = 2007-11-03 | date = [[2005-09-22]] | publisher = University of Maryland Medical Center}}</ref>

===Other===
====Vitamin C====
[[Image:Schwarze Johannisbeeren Makro.jpg|thumb|[[Blackcurrant]]s are a good source of vitamin C]]

A well-known supporter of the theory that [[Vitamin C megadosage]] prevented infection was [[Nobel Prize]] winner [[Linus Pauling]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/pagerender.fcgi?artid=389499&pageindex=1#page|title=Pauling L, The Significance of the Evidence about Ascorbic Acid and the Common Cold, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1971 November; 68(11): 2678–2681.}}</ref> who wrote the bestseller ''Vitamin C and the Common Cold''.<ref name="isbn0-7167-0159-6">{{cite book | author = Pauling, Linus | title = Vitamin C and the common cold | publisher = W. H. Freeman | location = San Francisco | year = 1970 | pages = | isbn = 0-7167-0159-6 | oclc = | doi = }}</ref> A [[meta-analysis]] published in 2005 found that "the lack of effect of prophylactic vitamin C supplementation on the incidence of common cold in normal populations throws doubt on the utility of this wide practice".<ref name="pmid15971944">{{cite journal | author = Douglas RM, Hemilä H | title = Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold | journal = PLoS Med. | volume = 2 | issue = 6 | year = 2005 | pmid = 15971944 | doi = 10.1371/journal.pmed.0020168 | pages = e168}}</ref>

A follow-up meta-analysis supported these conclusions: <blockquote>[[Prophylaxis|Prophylactic use]] "...of vitamin C has no effect on common cold incidence&nbsp;... [but] reduces the duration and severity of common cold symptoms slightly, although the magnitude of the effect was so small its clinical usefulness is doubtful. Therapeutic trials of high doses of vitamin C&nbsp;... starting after the onset of symptoms, showed no consistent effect on either duration or severity of symptoms.&nbsp;... More therapeutic trials are necessary to settle the question, especially in children who have not entered these trials."<ref name="pmid17636648">{{cite journal | author = Douglas R, Hemilä H, Chalker E, Treacy B | title = Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold | journal = Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (Online) | volume = | issue = 3 | pages = CD000980 | year = 2007 | pmid = 17636648 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD000980.pub3 | url = http://www.mrw.interscience.wiley.com/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD000980/frame.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Vitamin C 'does not stop colds' | publisher = [[BBC]] | date = [[2007-07-18]] | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6901405.stm | accessdate = 2007-05-25}}</ref></blockquote>

Most of the studies showing little or no effect employ doses of ascorbate such as 100&nbsp;mg to 500&nbsp;mg per day, considered "small" by vitamin C advocates. Equally important, the plasma half life of high dose ascorbate above the baseline, controlled by renal resorption, is approximately 30 minutes,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/full/140/7/533|title=Padayatty SL et al, "Vitamin C Pharmacokinetics: Implications for Oral and Intravenous Use," Ann Intern Med. 2004 Apr 6;140(7):533-7.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/7/prweb139053.htm|title=Researchers Question Government Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for vitamin C, PR Web, July 7, 2004}}</ref> which implies that most high dose studies have been methodologically defective and would be expected to show a minimum benefit. Clinical studies of divided dose supplementation, predicted on pharmacological grounds to be effective, have only rarely been reported in the literature.

====Zinc preparations====
[[Zinc acetate]] and [[zinc gluconate]] have been tested as potential treatments for the common cold, in various dosage form including nasal sprays, nasal gels, and lozenges.<ref name="eby-1984">{{cite journal | author=Eby GA, Davis DR, Halcomb WW | title=Reduction in duration of common colds by zinc gluconate lozenges in a double-blind study | journal=Antimicrob Agents Chemother | year=1984 | pages=20–4 | volume=25 | issue=1 | pmid = 6367635}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last = Macknin | first = ML | coauthors = | date = | year = 1999 | month = January | title = Zinc lozenges for the common cold | journal = Cleve Clin J Med | volume = 66 | issue = 1 | pages = 27–32 | pmid = 9926628}}</ref> Some studies have shown some effect of zinc preparations on the duration of the common cold, but conclusions are diverse.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Jeffrey L. Jackson, Emil Lesho and Cecily Peterson | title = Zinc and the Common Cold: A Meta-Analysis Revisited | journal = Journal of Nutrition | year = 2000 | pages = 1512–15 | volume = 130 | issue = Supplement | pmid = 10801968| url = http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/130/5/1512S | date = 05/01/2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last = Hulisz | first = D | year = 2003 | title = Efficacy of zinc against common cold viruses: an overview | journal = J Am Pharm Assoc | volume = 44 | issue = 5 | pages = 594–603 | pmid = 15496046 | doi = 10.1331/1544-3191.44.5.594.Hulisz}}</ref><ref name="jackson-1997">{{cite journal | author=Jackson JL, Peterson C, Lesho E | title=A meta-analysis of zinc salts lozenges and the common cold | journal=Arch Intern Med | year=1997 | pages=2373–6 | volume=157 | issue=20 | pmid=9361579 | url=http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/157/20/2373 | doi=10.1001/archinte.157.20.2373}}</ref> About half of studies demonstrate efficacy.{{Fact|date=January 2008}} Even studies that show clinical effect have not demonstrated the mechanism of action.<ref name="MedLinePlus_Zinc">
{{cite web | url = http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-zinc.html | title = MedlinePlus Herbs and Supplements: Zinc | date = [[2006-08-01]] | accessdate = 2007-08-10}}</ref>
The studies differ in the salt used, concentration of the salt, dosage form, and formulation, and some suffer from defects in design or methods. For example, there is evidence that the potential efficacy of zinc gluconate lozenges may be affected by other food acids ([[citric acid]], [[ascorbic acid]] and [[glycine]]) present in the lozenge.<ref name="eby-2004">{{cite journal | author=Eby GA | title=Zinc lozenges: cold cure or candy? Solution chemistry determinations | journal=Biosci Rep | year=2004 | pages=23–39 | volume=24 | issue=1 | pmid=15499830 | doi=10.1023/B:BIRE.0000037754.71063.41}}</ref> Furthermore, interpretation of the results depends on whether concentration of total zinc or ionic zinc is considered.<ref>{{cite journal | last = Eby | first = George | coauthors = Halcomb WW | year = 2006 | title = Ineffectiveness of zinc gluconate nasal spray and zinc orotate lozenges in common-cold treatment: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial | journal = Altern Ther Health Med | volume = 12 | issue = 1 | pages = 34–38 | pmid = 16454145}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.uspharmacist.com/oldformat.asp?url=newlook/files/alte/feat2.htm | title = Zinc and the Common Cold: What Pharmacists Need to Know | accessdate = 2007-09-22 | author = Darrell T. Hulisz}}</ref>

There are concerns regarding the safety of long-term use of cold preparations in an estimated 25 million persons who are [[haemochromatosis]] [[heterozygote]]s.<ref name="barton-1997">{{cite journal | author=Barton JC, Bertoli LF | title=Zinc gluconate lozenges for treating the common cold | journal=Ann Intern Med | year=1997 | pages=738–9 | volume=126 | issue=9 | pmid=9139564}}</ref> Use of high doses of zinc for more than two weeks may cause [[copper]] depletion, which leads to [[anemia]].<ref name = "PDRZinc">{{cite web | title = Zinc | work = PDRhealth | publisher = Thomson Healthcare | url = http://www.pdrhealth.com/drugs/altmed/altmed-mono.aspx?contentFileName=ame0182.xml&contentName=Zinc&contentId=345 | accessdate = 2007-07-11}}</ref> Other adverse events of high doses of zinc include [[nausea]], [[emesis|vomiting]] gastrointestinal discomfort, [[headache]], [[drowsiness]], unpleasant taste, taste distortion, abdominal cramping, and [[diarrhea]].<ref name="MedLinePlus_Zinc"/><ref name="PDRZinc"/> Some users of nasal spray applicators containing zinc have reported temporary or permanent loss of sense of [[smell]].<ref name = WashPostZinc">{{cite news | title = Paying Through the Nose: Maker of Cold Spray Settles Lawsuits for $12 Million but Denies Claim That Zinc Product Ruined Users' Sense of Smell | author = Sandra G. Boodman | publisher = [[The Washington Post]] | date = [[2006-01-31]] | url = http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/30/AR2006013001240.html | accessdate = 2007-09-10}}</ref>

Although widely available and advertised in the United States as dietary supplements or homeopathic treatments, the safety and efficacy of zinc preparations have not been evaluated or approved by the [[Food and Drug Administration]]. Authoritative sources consider the effect of zinc preparations on the cold unproven.<ref name="Merck"/><ref name="ALA2005"/>

A recent study showed that zinc acetate lozenges (13.3 mg zinc) shortened the duration and reduced the severity of common colds compared to placebo in a placebo-controlled, double blind clinical trial. Intracellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1) was inhibited by the ionic zinc present in the active lozenges, and the difference was statistically significant between the groups.
<ref name="prasad-2008">{{cite journal | author = Prasad AS | title = Duration and Severity of Symptoms and Levels of Plasma Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist, Soluble Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor, and Adhesion Molecules in Patients with Common Cold Treated with Zinc Acetate | journal = JID | year = 2008 | pages = 795–802 | volume = 197 | issue = 1 | url = http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdf/10.1086/528803 | accessdate = 2008-03-10 | doi = 10.1086/528803}}</ref>

{{see also|Zinc gluconate}}

====Steam inhalation====
Many people believe that steam inhalation reduces symptoms of the cold.<ref name="pmid10718693">{{cite journal
| author = Braun BL, Fowles JB, Solberg L, Kind E, Healey M, Anderson R
| title = Patient beliefs about the characteristics, causes, and care of the common cold: an update
| journal = The Journal of Family Practice
| volume = 49
| issue = 2
| pages = 153–6
| year = 2000
| pmid = 10718693
| doi =
}}</ref>

However, a [[double-blind]], placebo-controlled, randomized study found no effect of steam inhalation on cold symptoms.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Forstall GJ, Macknin ML, Yen-Lieberman BR, Medendrop SV |title=Effect of inhaling heated vapor on symptoms of the common cold |journal=JAMA |volume=271 |issue=14 |pages=1109–11 |year=1994 |pmid=8151854 |doi=10.1001/jama.271.14.1109 |url=http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/271/14/1109}}
</ref> A scientific review of medical literature concluded that "there is insufficient evidence to support the use of steam inhalation as a treatment."<ref>{{cite journal |author=Singh M |title=Heated, humidified air for the common cold |journal=Cochrane Database Syst Rev |volume=3 |issue= |pages=CD001728 |year=2006 |pmid=16855975 |doi=10.1002/14651858.CD001728.pub3 |url=}}
</ref> There have been reports of children being badly burned when using steam inhalation to alleviate cold symptoms leading to the recommendation to "...start discouraging patients from using this form of home remedy, as there appears to be no significant benefit from steam inhalation."<ref>{{cite journal |author=Akhavani MA, Baker RH |title=Steam inhalation treatment for children |journal=Br J Gen Pract |volume=55 |issue=516 |pages=557 |year=2005 |pmid=16004753 |pmc=1472796 |doi= |url=http://openurl.ingenta.com/content/nlm?genre=article&issn=0960-1643&volume=55&issue=516&spage=557&aulast=Akhavani}}</ref>

====Chicken soup====
In the twelfth century, Moses [[Maimonides]] wrote, "[[Chicken soup]]...is recommended as an excellent food as well as
medication."<ref>{{cite journal
| last = Rosner
| first = F
| year = 1980
| month = October
| title = Therapeutic efficacy of chicken soup
| journal = Chest
| volume = 78
| issue = 4
| pages = 672–674
| pmid = 7191367
| doi = 10.1378/chest.78.4.672
}}</ref>
Since then, there have been numerous reports in the United States that chicken soup alleviates the symptoms of the common cold. Even usually staid medical journals have published [[tongue-in-cheek]] humorous articles on the alleged medicinal properties of chicken soup.<ref>{{cite journal
| last = Rennard
| first = Barbara O.
| coauthors = Ronald F. Ertl, Gail L. Gossman, Richard A. Robbins, Stephen I. Rennard
| date =
| year = 2000
| month = October
| title = Chicken Soup Inhibits Neutrophil Chemotaxis In Vitro
| journal = Chest
| volume = 118
| issue = 4
| pages = 1150–1157
| pmid = 11035691
| doi = 10.1378/chest.118.4.1150
}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal
| last = Caroline
| first = NL.
| coauthors = H Schwartz
| year = 1975
| month = February
| title = Chicken soup rebound and relapse of pneumonia
| journal = Chest
| volume = 67
| issue = 2
| pages = 215–216
| pmid = 1090422
| doi = 10.1378/chest.67.2.215
}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal
| last = Ohry
| first = Abraham
| coauthors = Jenni Tsafrir
| date = [[1999-12-14]]
| title = Is chicken soup an essential drug?
| journal = Canadian Medical Association Journal
| volume = 161
| issue = 12
| pmid = 10624412
}}</ref>

==Historical research==
[[Image:Definition of a Cold by Benjamin Franklin Page 1.jpg|thumb|"Definition of a Cold." [[Benjamin Franklin]]'s notes for a paper he intended to write on the common cold.]]

The name "common cold" came into use in the 16th century, due to the similarity between its symptoms and those of exposure to cold weather.<ref>{{cite web | publisher=Online Etymology Dictionary | url=http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=cold | title=Cold | accessdate=2008-01-12 }}</ref> Norman Moore relates in his history of the Study of Medicine that [[James I]] continually suffered from nasal colds, which were then thought to be caused by [[Polyp (medicine)|polypi]], [[sinus]] trouble, or [http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/cgi-bin/omd?autotoxaemia autotoxaemia].<ref>{{cite journal | author = Wylie, A, | title = Rhinology and laryngology in literature and Folk-Lore | journal = The Journal of Laryngology & Otology | volume = 42 | issue = 2 | pages = 81–87 | year = 1927 | doi = 10.1017/S0022215100029959}}</ref>

In the 18th century, [[Benjamin Franklin]] considered the causes and prevention of the common cold. After several years of research he concluded: "People often catch cold from one another when shut up together in small close rooms, coaches, etc. and when sitting near and conversing so as to breathe in each other's transpiration." Although viruses had not yet been discovered, Franklin hypothesized that the common cold was passed between people through the air. He recommended exercise, bathing, and moderation in food and drink consumption to avoid the common cold.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/franklin-scientist.html | title = Scientist and Inventor: Benjamin Franklin: In His Own Words... (AmericanTreasures of the Library of Congress) | accessdate = 2007-12-23}}</ref> Franklin's theory on the transmission of the cold was confirmed some 150 years later.<ref name="pmid14795755">{{cite journal | author = Andrewes CH, Lovelock JE, Sommerville T | title = An experiment on the transmission of colds | journal = Lancet | volume = 1 | issue = 1 | pages = 25–7 | year = 1951 | pmid = 14795755 | doi =10.1016/S0140-6736(51)93497-6 }}</ref>
===Common Cold Unit===
{{main|Common Cold Unit}}
In the [[United Kingdom]], the [[Common Cold Unit]] was set up by the [[Medical Research Council (UK)|Medical Research Council]] in 1946. The unit worked with volunteers who were infected with various viruses.<ref>{{cite book | title = Das Buch der verrückten Experimente (Broschiert) | author = Reto U. Schneider | year = 2004 | isbn = 344215393X | url = http://www.verrueckte-experimente.de/index_e.html}}</ref> The [[rhinovirus]] was discovered there.<ref name="pmid2849371">{{cite journal
|author=Tyrrell DA
|title=Hot news on the common cold
|journal=Annu. Rev. Microbiol.
|volume=42
|issue=
|pages=35–47
|year=1988
|pmid=2849371
|doi=10.1146/annurev.mi.42.100188.000343
}}</ref> In the late 1950s, researchers were able to grow one of these cold viruses in a [[tissue culture]], as it would not grow in fertilized chicken eggs, the method used for many other viruses. In the 1970s, the CCU demonstrated that treatment with [[interferon]] during the incubation phase of rhinovirus infection protects somewhat against the disease<ref name="pmid2438740">{{cite journal
|author=Tyrrell DA
|title=Interferons and their clinical value
|journal=Rev. Infect. Dis.
|volume=9
|issue=2
|pages=243–9
|year=1987
|pmid=2438740
|doi=
}}</ref>, but no practical treatment could be developed. The unit was closed in 1989, two years after it completed research of zinc gluconate lozenges in the prophylaxis and treatment of rhinovirus colds, the only successful treatment in the history of the unit.<ref>{{cite journal
| journal = J Antimicrob Chemother.
| year = 1987
| month = December
| volume = 20
| issue = 6
| pages = 893–901
| title = Prophylaxis and treatment of rhinovirus colds with zinc gluconate lozenges
| last = Al-Nakib
| first = W
| coauthors = Higgins PG, Barrow I, Batstone G, Tyrrell DA.
| pmid = 3440773
| doi = 10.1093/jac/20.6.893
}}</ref>

==References==

{{refs|3}}

{{Respiratory pathology}}
{{Viral diseases}}
{{Common Cold}}

[[Category:Viruses]]
[[Category:Viral diseases]]
[[Category:Inflammations|Nasopharyngitis]]

[[ar:زكام]]
[[ay:Thayjata]]
[[zh-min-nan:Kám-mō͘]]
[[bg:Настинка]]
[[ca:Refredat]]
[[cs:Nachlazení]]
[[cy:Annwyd]]
[[da:Forkølelse]]
[[de:Erkältung]]
[[el:Κοινό κρυολόγημα]]
[[es:Resfriado común]]
[[eo:Kataro (malsano)]]
[[eu:Hotzeri]]
[[fr:Rhume]]
[[ko:감기]]
[[hi:सर्दी]]
[[hr:Obična prehlada]]
[[is:Kvef]]
[[it:Raffreddore comune]]
[[he:הצטננות]]
[[lt:Peršalimas]]
[[li:Sjnoep (infectiekraenkde)]]
[[hu:Megfázás]]
[[ml:ജലദോഷം]]
[[nl:Verkoudheid]]
[[ja:風邪]]
[[no:Forkjølelse]]
[[pl:Przeziębienie]]
[[pt:Resfriado]]
[[ru:Острая респираторная вирусная инфекция]]
[[scn:Rifridduri]]
[[simple:Common cold]]
[[sl:Prehlad]]
[[fi:Flunssa]]
[[sv:Förkylning]]
[[te:జలుబు]]
[[th:โรคหวัด]]
[[tr:Nezle]]
[[uk:Застуда]]
[[vls:Vollienge]]
[[zh:傷風]]

Revision as of 14:51, 22 October 2008

Common cold
SpecialtyFamily medicine, infectious diseases, otorhinolaryngology Edit this on Wikidata

Acute viral nasopharyngitis, or acute coryza, usually known as the common cold, is a highly contagious, viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory system, primarily caused by picornaviruses (including rhinoviruses) or coronaviruses.

Common symptoms are sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing and cough; sometimes accompanied by 'pink eye', muscle aches, fatigue, malaise, headaches, muscle weakness, and loss of appetite. Fever and extreme exhaustion are more usual in influenza. The symptoms of a cold usually resolve after about one week, but can last up to two. Symptoms may be more severe in infants and young children. Although the disease is generally mild and self-limiting, patients with common colds often seek professional medical help, use over-the-counter drugs, and may miss school or work days. The annual cumulative societal cost of the common cold in developed countries is considerable in terms of money spent on remedies, and hours of work lost.

The primary method to prevent infection is hand-washing to minimize person-to-person transmission of the virus. There are no antiviral drugs approved to treat or cure the infection. Most available medications are palliative and treat symptoms only. Megadoses of vitamin C, preparations from echinacea, and zinc gluconate have been studied as treatments for the common cold although none has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration or European Medicines Agency.

Pathology

Epidemiology

Upper respiratory tract infections are the most common infectious diseases among adults and teens, who have two to four respiratory infections annually.[1] Children may have six to ten colds a year (and up to 12 colds a year for school children).[2][3] In the United States, the incidence of colds is higher in the fall and winter, with most infections occurring between September and April. The seasonality may be due to the start of the school year, or due to people spending more time indoors (thus in closer proximity with each other) increasing the chance of transmission of the virus.[2]

Etiology

Common colds are most often caused by infection by one of the more than 100 serotypes of rhinovirus, a type of picornavirus. Other viruses causing colds are coronavirus, human parainfluenza viruses, human respiratory syncytial virus, adenoviruses, enteroviruses, or metapneumovirus.[4][5] Due to the many different types of viruses, it is not possible to gain complete immunity to the common cold.[6]

Transmission

The common cold is a disease of the upper respiratory tract

The common cold virus is transmitted between people by one of two mechanisms:

  • in aerosol form generated by coughing, sneezing.
  • from contact with the saliva or nasal secretions of an infected person, either directly or from contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms are not necessary for viral shedding or transmission, as a percentage of asymptomatic subjects exhibit viruses in nasal swabs.[7]

The virus enters the cells of the lining of the nasopharynx (the area between the nose and throat), and rapidly multiplies. The major entry point is normally the nose, but can also be the eyes (in this case drainage into the nasopharynx would occur through the nasolacrimal duct).

Symptoms

After initial infection, the viral replication cycle begins within 8 to 12 hours.[8] Symptoms can occur shortly thereafter, and usually begin within 2 to 5 days after infection, although occasionally in as little as 10 hours after infection.[8] The first indication of a cold is often a sore or scratchy throat. Other common symptoms are runny nose, congestion, sneezing and cough. These are sometimes accompanied by muscle aches, fatigue, malaise, headache, weakness, or loss of appetite.[9] Colds occasionally cause fever and can sometimes lead to extreme exhaustion. (However, these symptoms are more usual in influenza, and can differentiate the two infections.) The symptoms of a cold usually resolve after about one week, but can last up to 14 days, with a cough lasting longer than other symptoms. Symptoms may be more severe in infants and young children, and may include fever and hives.[10][2][11][12][13][14]

Complications

The common cold can lead to opportunistic coinfections or superinfections such as acute bronchitis, bronchiolitis, croup, pneumonia, sinusitis, otitis media, or strep throat. People with chronic lung diseases such as asthma and COPD are especially vulnerable. Colds may cause acute exacerbations of asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis.[8][4][5]

Economic cost

Template:Globalize/USA

USA

An American poster from World War II describing the cost of the common cold

In the USA, the common cold leads to 75 to 100 million physician visits annually at a conservative cost estimate of $7.7 billion per year. Americans spend $2.9 billion on over-the-counter drugs and another $400 million on prescription medicines for symptomatic relief.[1][15]

More than one-third of patients who saw a doctor received an antibiotic prescription, which not only contributes to unnecessary costs ($1.1 billion annually on an estimated 41 million antibiotic prescriptions in the United States), but also has implications for antibiotic resistance from overuse of such drugs.[15]

An estimated 22 to 189 million school days are missed annually due to a cold. As a result, parents missed 126 million workdays to stay home to care for their children. When added to the 150 million workdays missed by employees suffering from a cold, the total economic impact of cold-related work loss exceeds $20 billion.[2][1][15]

Prevention

Poster encouraging citizens to "Consult your Physician" for treatment of the common cold

The best way to avoid a cold is to avoid close contact with existing sufferers; to wash hands thoroughly and regularly; and to avoid touching the mouth and face. Anti-bacterial soaps have no effect on the cold virus; it is the mechanical action of hand washing with the soap that removes the virus particles.[16]

In 2002, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended alcohol-based hand gels as an effective method for reducing infectious viruses on the hands of health care workers.[17] As with hand washing with soap and water, alcohol gels provide no residual protection from re-infection.

The common cold is caused by a large variety of viruses, which mutate quite frequently during reproduction, resulting in constantly changing virus strains. Thus, successful immunization is highly improbable.

Exposure to cold weather

Exposure to cold weather has not been proven to increase the likelihood of "catching" a cold

Although common colds are seasonal, with more occurring during winter, experiments so far have failed to produce evidence that short-term exposure to cold weather or direct chilling increases susceptibility to infection, implying that the seasonal variation is instead due to a change in behaviors such as increased time spent indoors at close proximity to others.[2][18][19][20][21]

With respect to the causation of cold-like symptoms, researchers at the Common Cold Centre at Cardiff University[9] conducted a study to "test the hypothesis that acute cooling of the feet causes the onset of common cold symptoms."[22][23][24] The study measured the subjects' self-reported cold symptoms, and belief they had a cold, but not whether an actual respiratory infection developed. It found that a significantly greater number of those subjects chilled developed cold symptoms 4 or 5 days after the chilling. It concludes that the onset of common cold symptoms can be caused by acute chilling of the feet. Some possible explanations were suggested for the symptoms, such as placebo, or constriction of blood vessels of the nasal passages which might lead to reduced immunity, however "further studies are needed to determine the relationship of symptom generation to any respiratory infection."

Treatment

As there is no medically proven and accepted medication directly targeting the causative agent, there is no cure for the common cold. Treatment is limited to symptomatic supportive options, maximizing the comfort of the patient, and limiting complications and harmful sequelae.

The common cold is self-limiting, and the host's immune system effectively deals with the infection. Within a few days, the body's humoral immune response begins producing specific antibodies that can prevent the virus from infecting cells. Additionally, as part of the cell-mediated immune response, leukocytes destroy the virus through phagocytosis and destroy infected cells to prevent further viral replication. In healthy, immunocompetent individuals, the common cold resolves in seven days on average.[8]

Palliative care

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases suggests getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids to maintain hydration, gargling with warm salt water, using cough drops, throat sprays, or over-the-counter pain or cold medicines.[2] Saline nasal drops may help alleviate congestion.[25]

The American Lung Association recommends avoiding coffee, tea or cola drinks that contain caffeine and avoiding alcoholic beverages, saying that both caffeine and alcohol cause dehydration.[11] However, a study reported in 2000, as well as the U.S. Institute of Medicine in 2004, say that caffeinated beverages and non-caffeinated beverages equally meet the need for fluids.[26]

Antibiotics

Antibiotics, targeted primarily to microorganisms like bacteria and fungus, do not have any beneficial effect against the common cold. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses.

Antivirals

There are no approved antiviral drugs for the common cold.

ViroPharma and Schering-Plough are developing an antiviral drug, pleconaril, that targets picornaviruses, the viruses that cause the majority of common colds. Pleconaril has been shown to be effective in an oral form.[27][28] Schering-Plough is developing an intra-nasal formulation that may have fewer adverse effects.[29]

Over-the-counter symptom medicines

There are a number of effective treatments which, rather than treat the viral infection, focus on relieving the symptoms. For some people, colds are relatively minor inconveniences and they can go on with their daily activities with tolerable discomfort. This discomfort has to be weighed against the price and possible side effects of the remedies.

Herbal remedies

Herbs often used in naturopathic cold remedies
Chamomile Liquorice Garlic Ginger

Herbal teas, such as chamomile tea, or lemon or ginger root tisanes may soothe some symptoms and comfort the patient. Liquorice and garlic preparations have been suggested as treatments for the common cold, although their effectiveness is unproven.[11][31]

Echinacea

Echinacea flower

Echinacea, commonly called coneflowers, is a plant commonly used in herbal preparations for the treatment of the common cold.

Although there have been scientific studies evaluating echinacea, its effectiveness has not been convincingly demonstrated. For example, a peer-reviewed clinical study published in the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that "…extracts of E. angustifolia root, either alone or in combination, do not have clinically significant effects on rhinovirus infection or on the clinical illness that results from it."[32][33] Recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in adults have not shown a beneficial effect of echinacea on symptom severity or duration of the cold.[34][35] A structured review of 9 placebo controlled studies suggested that the effectiveness of echinacea in the treatment of colds has not been established.[36] Conversely, two recent meta-analyses of published medical articles concluded that there is some evidence that echinacea may reduce either the duration or severity of the common cold, but results are not fully consistent. However, there have been no large, randomized placebo-controlled clinical studies that definitively demonstrate either prophylaxis or therapeutic effects in adults.[37][38] A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 407 children of ages ranging from 2 to 11 years showed that echinacea did not reduce the duration of the cold, nor reduce the severity of the symptoms.[39] Most authoritative sources consider the effect of echinacea on the cold unproven.[2][3][4][11][40][41]

Other

Vitamin C

Blackcurrants are a good source of vitamin C

A well-known supporter of the theory that Vitamin C megadosage prevented infection was Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling,[42] who wrote the bestseller Vitamin C and the Common Cold.[43] A meta-analysis published in 2005 found that "the lack of effect of prophylactic vitamin C supplementation on the incidence of common cold in normal populations throws doubt on the utility of this wide practice".[44]

A follow-up meta-analysis supported these conclusions:

Prophylactic use "...of vitamin C has no effect on common cold incidence ... [but] reduces the duration and severity of common cold symptoms slightly, although the magnitude of the effect was so small its clinical usefulness is doubtful. Therapeutic trials of high doses of vitamin C ... starting after the onset of symptoms, showed no consistent effect on either duration or severity of symptoms. ... More therapeutic trials are necessary to settle the question, especially in children who have not entered these trials."[45][46]

Most of the studies showing little or no effect employ doses of ascorbate such as 100 mg to 500 mg per day, considered "small" by vitamin C advocates. Equally important, the plasma half life of high dose ascorbate above the baseline, controlled by renal resorption, is approximately 30 minutes,[47][48] which implies that most high dose studies have been methodologically defective and would be expected to show a minimum benefit. Clinical studies of divided dose supplementation, predicted on pharmacological grounds to be effective, have only rarely been reported in the literature.

Zinc preparations

Zinc acetate and zinc gluconate have been tested as potential treatments for the common cold, in various dosage form including nasal sprays, nasal gels, and lozenges.[49][50] Some studies have shown some effect of zinc preparations on the duration of the common cold, but conclusions are diverse.[51][52][53] About half of studies demonstrate efficacy.[citation needed] Even studies that show clinical effect have not demonstrated the mechanism of action.[54] The studies differ in the salt used, concentration of the salt, dosage form, and formulation, and some suffer from defects in design or methods. For example, there is evidence that the potential efficacy of zinc gluconate lozenges may be affected by other food acids (citric acid, ascorbic acid and glycine) present in the lozenge.[55] Furthermore, interpretation of the results depends on whether concentration of total zinc or ionic zinc is considered.[56][57]

There are concerns regarding the safety of long-term use of cold preparations in an estimated 25 million persons who are haemochromatosis heterozygotes.[58] Use of high doses of zinc for more than two weeks may cause copper depletion, which leads to anemia.[59] Other adverse events of high doses of zinc include nausea, vomiting gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, drowsiness, unpleasant taste, taste distortion, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea.[54][59] Some users of nasal spray applicators containing zinc have reported temporary or permanent loss of sense of smell.[60]

Although widely available and advertised in the United States as dietary supplements or homeopathic treatments, the safety and efficacy of zinc preparations have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Authoritative sources consider the effect of zinc preparations on the cold unproven.[4][11]

A recent study showed that zinc acetate lozenges (13.3 mg zinc) shortened the duration and reduced the severity of common colds compared to placebo in a placebo-controlled, double blind clinical trial. Intracellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1) was inhibited by the ionic zinc present in the active lozenges, and the difference was statistically significant between the groups. [61]

Steam inhalation

Many people believe that steam inhalation reduces symptoms of the cold.[62]

However, a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study found no effect of steam inhalation on cold symptoms.[63] A scientific review of medical literature concluded that "there is insufficient evidence to support the use of steam inhalation as a treatment."[64] There have been reports of children being badly burned when using steam inhalation to alleviate cold symptoms leading to the recommendation to "...start discouraging patients from using this form of home remedy, as there appears to be no significant benefit from steam inhalation."[65]

Chicken soup

In the twelfth century, Moses Maimonides wrote, "Chicken soup...is recommended as an excellent food as well as medication."[66] Since then, there have been numerous reports in the United States that chicken soup alleviates the symptoms of the common cold. Even usually staid medical journals have published tongue-in-cheek humorous articles on the alleged medicinal properties of chicken soup.[67][68][69]

Historical research

"Definition of a Cold." Benjamin Franklin's notes for a paper he intended to write on the common cold.

The name "common cold" came into use in the 16th century, due to the similarity between its symptoms and those of exposure to cold weather.[70] Norman Moore relates in his history of the Study of Medicine that James I continually suffered from nasal colds, which were then thought to be caused by polypi, sinus trouble, or autotoxaemia.[71]

In the 18th century, Benjamin Franklin considered the causes and prevention of the common cold. After several years of research he concluded: "People often catch cold from one another when shut up together in small close rooms, coaches, etc. and when sitting near and conversing so as to breathe in each other's transpiration." Although viruses had not yet been discovered, Franklin hypothesized that the common cold was passed between people through the air. He recommended exercise, bathing, and moderation in food and drink consumption to avoid the common cold.[72] Franklin's theory on the transmission of the cold was confirmed some 150 years later.[73]

Common Cold Unit

In the United Kingdom, the Common Cold Unit was set up by the Medical Research Council in 1946. The unit worked with volunteers who were infected with various viruses.[74] The rhinovirus was discovered there.[75] In the late 1950s, researchers were able to grow one of these cold viruses in a tissue culture, as it would not grow in fertilized chicken eggs, the method used for many other viruses. In the 1970s, the CCU demonstrated that treatment with interferon during the incubation phase of rhinovirus infection protects somewhat against the disease[76], but no practical treatment could be developed. The unit was closed in 1989, two years after it completed research of zinc gluconate lozenges in the prophylaxis and treatment of rhinovirus colds, the only successful treatment in the history of the unit.[77]

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