| Opinions vary about the best treatment for common | | | | weeks, but the study in Texas showed that the zinc |
| cold symptoms. Zinc common cold remedies are | | | | common cold remedies did not significantly reduce |
| much in the news, but some controversy surrounds | | | | the duration of common cold symptoms. The |
| their use. | | | | majority of volunteers had recovered within a week, |
| Over the counter products, vitamin supplements and | | | | whether they were given the zinc common cold |
| herbal remedies are really the only options a person | | | | remedies or a placebo. |
| has for treating a cold. Because colds are caused by | | | | Because some people recover from symptoms so |
| viruses, there are no effective prescription | | | | quickly, without treatment, it has been difficult for |
| medications and a visit to the doctor is usually | | | | researchers to determine the best treatment for |
| unnecessary, unless a secondary bacterial infection, | | | | common cold symptoms. Some people are more |
| such as a sinus or ear infection occurs. Antibiotics are | | | | susceptible to infection with cold viruses than others. |
| not effective for either preventing or treating a cold. | | | | A recent study indicates that asthma sufferers, who |
| Over-use of antibiotics has led to the development | | | | typically have more than their fair share of colds, |
| of more resistant strains of bacteria. | | | | produce less anti-viral proteins than normal. Supporting |
| According to many experts, the best treatment for | | | | the belief that efforts to improve immune system |
| common cold symptoms is to get plenty of rest and | | | | function can be the best treatment for common cold |
| drink lots of fluids. Probably, because so many people | | | | symptoms, as well as the best prevention. |
| have a busy lifestyle, pharmaceutical companies keep | | | | Vitamin C supplementation is considered, by some, to |
| coming up with products like zinc common cold | | | | be the best treatment for common cold symptoms, |
| remedies and other multi-symptom cold relievers. | | | | but opinions vary. Some studies have shown that it is |
| Advertising for these products typically suggests that | | | | an effective preventative; others have shown it to |
| these can help you "get on with your life". But many | | | | be less effective. Again the difference in the results |
| of these products have unwanted side effects. | | | | of these studies is probably related to the difference |
| Some can be relatively serious, considering that cold | | | | in people. Injecting the rhinovirus directly into the |
| symptoms are typically gone in a week or so. | | | | nose causes an infection in 95% of people, but only |
| Some people who have used a zinc common cold | | | | 75% of them develop any symptoms at all. If you |
| nasal spray or gel have lost their sense of smell. One | | | | decide to increase your vitamin C intake and you |
| company was sued and settled out of court without | | | | develop diarrhea, then you are getting too much |
| admitting fault. At least two different clinical studies | | | | vitamin C and should reduce the daily dosage. |
| have confirmed that these zinc common cold | | | | Many herbalists still recommend Echinacea as the best |
| remedies effectively reduce the duration of | | | | treatment for common cold symptoms. Some still |
| symptoms, but other studies confirm that these | | | | recommend it as a preventative, but clinical studies |
| preparations can cause a permanent loss of the | | | | have shown that taking the herb for extended |
| sense of smell. In fact, one study performed by the | | | | periods of time can be toxic to the liver. It was used |
| George Eby Research Group in Austin, Texas | | | | traditionally by Native Americans as a treatment, not |
| concludes that "it is unethical to introduce any | | | | a preventative. For occasional use Echinacea appears |
| potentially permanent anosmia-inducing agent such as | | | | to be safe, but there are safer herbs. |
| zinc or other heavy metals into the interior of the | | | | Andrographis paniculata, an herb used in traditional |
| nose in a manner that could result in contact with the | | | | Asian medicine, may be the best treatment for |
| olfactory region to treat a temporary discomfort | | | | common cold symptoms and an effective |
| such as a common cold or allergy." The term anosmia | | | | preventative. In one study, a group of volunteers |
| means loss of sense of smell. | | | | were given the herb or a placebo and results showed |
| Several other studies confirm that when zinc | | | | that those who were given the herb were less likely |
| common cold remedies come into contact with the | | | | to become infected with influenza viruses; these are |
| lining of the nose, permanent loss of the sense of | | | | some of the viruses that can cause common cold |
| smell can occur. Manufactures of these products claim | | | | symptoms. In those people who took the herb and |
| that they may be the best treatment for common | | | | did develop the flu, symptoms were less severe and |
| cold available and can reduce the duration of cold | | | | complications, such as pneumonia, did not develop. |
| symptoms to as little as two days. But, in fact, many | | | | Andrographis paniculata has been shown to have no |
| people recover from a common cold in a couple of | | | | toxic effects on animals, even when used in large |
| days, anyway. Some viral infections last longer in | | | | amounts. |
| some people and symptoms may last as long as two | | | | |