Acute nasopharyngitis Classification and external resources
Rhinoviruses cause most common colds
ICD-10	J00.0
ICD-9	460
DiseasesDB	31088
MedlinePlus	000678
eMedicine	aaem/118  med/2339
MeSH	D003139

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. Rhinovirus (from the Greek rhin - which means "nose" is a genus of the Picornaviridae family of Viruses Rhinoviruses The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (most commonly known by the abbreviation ICD) provides codes to classify Diseases The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision ( ICD -10) is a coding of diseases and signs symptoms abnormal findings J00-J99 - Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J06 Acute upper respiratory infections ( Acute Nasopharyngitis ( Common cold) The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (most commonly known by the abbreviation ICD) provides codes to classify Diseases The following is a list of codes for International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. The Diseases Database is a free Website that provides information about the relationships between medical conditions Symptoms, and Medications. MedlinePlus, with the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, is a website network containing Health information from the world's largest medical Library eMedicine is an online clinical medical knowledge base that was founded in 1996 by Scott Plantz and Richard Lavely two medical doctors Medical Subject Headings ( MeSH) is a huge Controlled vocabulary (or metadata system for the purpose of indexing journal articles and books A virus (from the Latin virus meaning Toxin or Poison) is a sub-microscopic infectious agent that is unable An infectious disease is a clinically evident Disease resulting from the presence of Pathogenic microbial agents including Pathogenic viruses Pathogenic In living organisms a respiratory system functions to allow Gas exchange. A Picornavirus is a Virus belonging to the family Picornaviridae. Rhinovirus (from the Greek rhin - which means "nose" is a genus of the Picornaviridae family of Viruses Rhinoviruses Coronavirus is a genus of animal Virus belonging to the family Coronaviridae.

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/or loss of appetite. See also Strep throat. Pharyngitis (ˌfarɪnˈdʒʌɪtɪs is in most cases a Painful inflammation of the Pharynx, and is Rhinitis is the medical term describing irritation and inflammation of some internal areas of the Nose. Nasal congestion is the blockage of the nasal passages usually due to membranes lining the nose becoming swollen from inflamed blood vessels A sneeze (or sternutation) is a semi-autonomous Convulsive expulsion of Air from the Lungs, most commonly caused by foreign particles In Medicine, a cough ( Latin: tussis) is a sudden and often repetitively occurring defence Reflex which helps to clear the large breathing passages Conjunctivitis (commonly called " Pink Eye " or " Red Eye " in North America and " Madras eye " in India) is an inflammation Myalgia means " Muscle Pain " and is a symptom of many diseases and disorders Malaise is a feeling of general discomfort or uneasiness an "out of sorts" feeling often the first indication of an infection or other disease A headache ( cephalalgia in medical terminology is a condition of pain in the Head; sometimes Neck or upper back pain may also be interpreted Muscle weakness (or "lack of strength" is a direct term for the inability to exert force with one's Muscles to the degree that would be expected given the individual's Anorexia (deriving from the Greek "α(ν-" ( a(n-, a prefix that denotes absence + "όρεξη (orexe = appetite is the decreased sensation Fever and extreme exhaustion are more usual in influenza. Fever (also known as pyrexia, from the Greek pyretos meaning fire or a febrile response, from the Latin word Febris The symptoms of a cold usually resolve after about one week, but can last up to 14 days. 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. Over-the-counter (OTC drugs are medicines that may be sold without a prescription, in contrast to Prescription drugs The name "over-the-counter" 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. Palliative care (from Latin palliare to cloak is any form of medical care or treatment that concentrates on reducing the severity of Disease Symptoms 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. Vitamin C megadosage is the consumption of Vitamin C (ascorbate in doses well beyond the current Dietary Reference Intake. Echinacea, commonly called Purple Coneflower, is a genus of nine species of Herbaceous plants in the family Asteraceae. Zinc gluconate is the Zinc salt of Gluconic acid. It is an ionic compound consisting of two moles of gluconate for each mole of zinc The European Medicines Agency ( EMEA) is a European agency for the evaluation of medicinal products.

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]

Virus

Common colds are most often caused by infection by one of the more than 100 serotypes of rhinovirus, a type of picornavirus. A serovar or serotype is a group of Microorganisms or Viruses based on their cell surface Antigens Serovars allow the epidemiologic classification Rhinovirus (from the Greek rhin - which means "nose" is a genus of the Picornaviridae family of Viruses Rhinoviruses A Picornavirus is a Virus belonging to the family Picornaviridae. Other viruses causing colds are coronavirus, human parainfluenza viruses, human respiratory syncytial virus, adenoviruses, enteroviruses, or metapneumovirus. Coronavirus is a genus of animal Virus belonging to the family Coronaviridae. Human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs are a group of four distinct Serotypes of single-stranded RNA Viruses belonging to the Paramyxovirus Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV is a negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus of the family Paramyxoviridae, which includes Adenoviruses are medium-sized (90–100 nm) Nonenveloped (naked Icosahedral viruses composed of a nucleocapsid and a double-stranded linear DNA The enteroviruses are a genus of (+ssRNA viruses associated with several human and mammalian diseases Human metapneumovirus (hMPV was isolated for the first time in 2001 in the Netherlands by using the RAP-PCR (RNA arbitrarily primed PCR) technique for identification of ^[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 virus is transmitted between people by one of two mechanisms:

• in aerosol form generated by coughing, sneezing. The Upper respiratory tract refers to the following parts of the Respiratory system: Nose and Oral cavity Throat Technically an aerosol is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas
• 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 cell is the structural and functional unit of all known living Organisms It is the smallest unit of an organism that is classified as living and is often called The nasopharynx ( nasal part of the pharynx) is the part of the Pharynx that lies behind the Nose and above the level of the Soft palate; it differs 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). The nasolacrimal duct (sometimes called tear ducts) carries Tears from the Lacrimal sac into the Nasal cavity.

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. See also Strep throat. Pharyngitis (ˌfarɪnˈdʒʌɪtɪs is in most cases a Painful inflammation of the Pharynx, and is Other common symptoms are runny nose, congestion, sneezing and cough. Rhinorrhea, commonly known as a runny Nose, consists of an unusually significant amount of nasal discharge Nasal congestion is the blockage of the nasal passages usually due to membranes lining the nose becoming swollen from inflamed blood vessels A sneeze (or sternutation) is a semi-autonomous Convulsive expulsion of Air from the Lungs, most commonly caused by foreign particles In Medicine, a cough ( Latin: tussis) is a sudden and often repetitively occurring defence Reflex which helps to clear the large breathing passages These are sometimes accompanied by muscle aches, fatigue, malaise, headache, weakness, or loss of appetite. Myalgia means " Muscle Pain " and is a symptom of many diseases and disorders Malaise is a feeling of general discomfort or uneasiness an "out of sorts" feeling often the first indication of an infection or other disease A headache ( cephalalgia in medical terminology is a condition of pain in the Head; sometimes Neck or upper back pain may also be interpreted Muscle weakness (or "lack of strength" is a direct term for the inability to exert force with one's Muscles to the degree that would be expected given the individual's ^[9] Colds occasionally cause fever and can sometimes lead to extreme exhaustion. Fever (also known as pyrexia, from the Greek pyretos meaning fire or a febrile response, from the Latin word Febris (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]}

Complications

The common cold can lead to opportunistic coinfections or superinfections such as acute bronchitis, bronchiolitis, croup, pneumonia, sinusitis, otitis media, or strep throat. An opportunistic infection is an infection caused by Pathogens that usually do not cause disease in a healthy Immune system. In Virology, coinfection describes the simultaneous Infection of a single cell by two or more Virus particles In Virology, superinfection is the process by which a cell that has previously been infected by one Virus gets coinfected with another virus Bronchitis is an Inflammation of the large bronchi (medium-sized airways in the Lungs It can progress to Pneumonia. Bronchiolitis is inflammation of the Bronchioles the smallest air passages of the lungs Croup is a group of Respiratory diseases that often affect infants and children under age 6 Pneumonia is an inflammatory illness of the Lung. Frequently it is described as lung Parenchyma / alveolar inflammation and abnormal Sinusitis is an Inflammation of the Paranasal sinuses which may or may not be as a result of infection from Bacterial fungal, viral Otitis media is Inflammation of the Middle ear, or middle ear infection (the word otitis is Greek and it means “inflammation of the ear” and media Streptococcal pharyngitis or streptococcal sore throat ( Strep throat AmE) is a form of Group A streptococcal infection that affects the People with chronic lung diseases such as asthma and COPD are especially vulnerable. Asthma is a chronic Condition involving the Respiratory system in which the airways occasionally constrict become inflamed, and are Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD) is a Disease of the lungs in which the Airways become narrowed Colds may cause acute exacerbations of asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Asthma is a chronic Condition involving the Respiratory system in which the airways occasionally constrict become inflamed, and are Emphysema is a chronic obstructive Pulmonary disease ( COPD) formerly termed a chronic obstructive Lung disease (COLD Bronchitis is an Inflammation of the bronchi (medium-size airways in the Lungs Acute bronchitis is usually caused by Viruses ^[8][4][5]

Economic cost

USA

In the USA alone, the common cold leads to 75 to 100 million physician visits annually at a conservative cost estimate of $7. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including 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][13]

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. ^[13]

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][13]

Prevention

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. ^[14]

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. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (or CDC) is an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services based in unincorporated ^[15] 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. Immunization, or immunisation, is the process by which an individual's Immune system becomes fortified against an agent (known as the

Exposure to cold weather

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][16][17][18]}

With respect to the causation of cold-like symptoms, researchers at the Common Cold Centre at the Cardiff University^[9] conducted a study to "test the hypothesis that acute cooling of the feet causes the onset of common cold symptoms. Cardiff University (Prifysgol Caerdydd is a leading University located in the Cathays Park area of Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom "^[19][20][21] 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, 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. A sequela, (sɨˈkwiːlə plural sequelæ) is a Pathological condition resulting from a Disease, Injury, or other trauma.

The common cold is self-limiting, and the host's immune system effectively deals with the infection. An immune system is a collection of mechanisms within an Organism that protects against Disease by identifying and killing Pathogens and Tumor Within a few days, the body's humoral immune response begins producing specific antibodies that can prevent the virus from infecting cells. The Humoral Immune Response (HIR is the aspect of immunity that is mediated by secreted Antibodies (as opposed to Cell-mediated immunity which involves Antibodies (also known as immunoglobulins, abbreviated Ig) are Gamma globulin Proteins that are found in Blood or other Bodily Additionally, as part of the cell-mediated immune response, leukocytes destroy the virus through phagocytosis and destroy infected cells to prevent further viral replication. Phagocytosis is the cellular process of engulfing solid particles by the Cell membrane to form an internal Phagosome, or "food vacuole 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. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID is a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH which is an agency of the United States Department Gargling is the act in which one bubbles a liquid in his or her mouth Over-the-counter (OTC drugs are medicines that may be sold without a prescription, in contrast to Prescription drugs The name "over-the-counter" ^[2] Saline nasal drops may help alleviate congestion. ^[22]

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. The American Lung Association ( ALA) is a Non-profit organization that "fights lung disease in all its forms with special emphasis on Asthma, CoFFEE is an Open source Software for computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL in a digital classroom Tea refers to the cured agricultural product of the leaves leaf buds and internodes of Camellia sinensis, which have been prepared and cured for the market Cola is a sweet carbonated drink usually with Caramel coloring and containing Caffeine. Caffeine is a bitter white crystalline Xanthine Alkaloid that acts as a Psychoactive Stimulant Drug and a mild Diuretic Dehydration ( hypohydration) is the removal of Water ( hydro in ancient Greek) from an object ^[11] But 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. ^[23]

Antibiotics

Antibiotics, targeted primarily to microorganisms like bacteria and fungus, do not have any beneficial effect against the common cold. In modern usage an antibiotic is a Chemotherapeutic agent with activity against Microorganisms such as Bacteria, fungi or Protozoa A microorganism (also spelled micro organism or micro-organism and also called a microbe) is an Organism that is Microscopic (usually The Bacteria ( singular: bacterium) are a large group of unicellular Microorganisms Typically a few Micrometres in length bacteria have A fungus (ˈfʌŋgəs is a eukaryotic Organism that is a member of the kingdom Fungi (ˈfʌndʒaɪ Their use in cases of common cold infection is ineffective as they have no effect on viruses.

Antivirals

There are no approved antiviral drugs for the common cold. Antiviral drugs are a class of Medication used specifically for treating viral Infections Like Antibiotics for Bacteria, specific antivirals

ViroPharma and Schering-Plough are developing an antiviral drug, pleconaril, that targets picornaviruses, the viruses that cause the majority of common colds. ViroPharma Incorporated, a Pharmaceutical company, develops and sells drugs that address serious diseases treated by physician specialists and in hospital settings Schering-Plough Corporation ( is a Pharmaceutical company founded in 1851 by Ernst Schering as Schering AG in Germany. Pleconaril is an Antiviral drug being developed by Schering-Plough for prevention of Asthma exacerbations and Common cold symptoms in asthmatic A Picornavirus is a Virus belonging to the family Picornaviridae. Pleconaril has been shown to be effective in an oral form. Pleconaril is an Antiviral drug being developed by Schering-Plough for prevention of Asthma exacerbations and Common cold symptoms in asthmatic In Pharmacology and Toxicology, a route ^[24][25] Schering-Plough is developing an intra-nasal formulation that may have fewer adverse effects. Schering-Plough Corporation ( is a Pharmaceutical company founded in 1851 by Ernst Schering as Schering AG in Germany. In Pharmacology and Toxicology, a route ^[26]

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.

• analgesics 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 suppressants such as dextromethorphan which suppress the cough reflex. Aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid (ASA (əˌsɛtɨlsælɨˌsɪlɨk ˈæsɨd is a Salicylate drug, often used as an Analgesic to relieve Paracetamol ( INN) (ˌpærəˈsiːtəmɒl -ˈsɛtə- or acetaminophen ( USAN) is a widely-used Analgesic and Antipyretic Medication Applications Modal logic In Modal logic, the lozenge expresses the possibility of the following expression Pseudoephedrine (commonly abbreviated as PSE is a sympathomimetic Amine commonly used as a Decongestant. Oxymetazoline is a selective alpha-1 agonist and partial alpha-2 agonist Topical decongestant, used in the form of Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride, in products such A cough medicine is a medicinal drug used to treat Coughing and related conditions Dextromethorphan ( DXM or DM) is an Antitussive (cough suppressant drug found in many over-the-counter cold and Cough medicines
• first-generation anti-histamines 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). A histamine antagonist is an agent which serves to inhibit the release or action of Histamine. Brompheniramine (also known as Bromfed, Dimetapp, Bromfenex, and Dimetane) is an Antihistamine drug of the Propylamine Chlorphenamine ( INN) or chlorpheniramine ( USAN, former BAN) commonly marketed as its salt chlorphenamine Maleate (CPM Pharmacological action Diphenhydramine (dye fen hye' dra meen works by blocking the effect of histamine at H1 receptor sites Clemastine, also known as meclastin, is an Antihistamine drug Second-generation anti-histamines do not have a useful effect on colds.

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 (UK or licorice (US (see spelling differences;, or) is the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, from which a sweet flavour can be extracted Allium sativum L, commonly known as garlic, is a species in the Onion family Alliaceae. Ginger is commonly used as a cooking spice throughout the world An herbal tea, tisane, or ptisan is an Herbal Infusion made from anything other than the leaves of the Tea bush ( Camellia The lemon ( Citrus × limon) is a hybrid in cultivated wild plants Ginger is commonly used as a cooking spice throughout the world An herbal tea, tisane, or ptisan is an Herbal Infusion made from anything other than the leaves of the Tea bush ( Camellia Liquorice and garlic preparations have been suggested as treatments for the common cold, although their effectiveness is unproven. Liquorice (UK or licorice (US (see spelling differences;, or) is the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, from which a sweet flavour can be extracted Allium sativum L, commonly known as garlic, is a species in the Onion family Alliaceae. ^[11]

Echinacea

Echinacea, commonly called coneflowers, is a plant commonly used in herbal preparations for the treatment of the common cold. Echinacea, commonly called Purple Coneflower, is a genus of nine species of Herbaceous plants in the family Asteraceae. Echinacea, commonly called Purple Coneflower, is a genus of nine species of Herbaceous plants in the family Asteraceae.

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. In health care clinical trials are conducted to allow safety and Efficacy data to be collected for new drugs or devices The New England Journal of Medicine ( N Engl J Med or NEJM) is an English-language Peer-reviewed Medical journal published 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. "^[27][28] 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. ^[29][30] A structured review of 9 placebo controlled studies suggested that the effectiveness of echinacea in the treatment of colds has not been established. ^[31] 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. ^[32][33] 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. ^[34] Most authoritative sources consider the effect of echinacea on the cold unproven. ^{[2][3][4][11][35][36]}

Other

Vitamin C

A well-known supporter of the theory that Vitamin C megadosage prevented infection was Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling,^[37] who wrote the bestseller Vitamin C and the Common Cold. The Blackcurrant ( Ribes nigrum) is a species of Ribes Berry native to central and northern Europe and northern Asia. Vitamin C megadosage is the consumption of Vitamin C (ascorbate in doses well beyond the current Dietary Reference Intake. The Nobel Prize (Nobelpriset (Nobelprisen is a Swedish prize established in the 1895 will of Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel; it was first awarded in Peace, Literature Linus Carl Pauling (February 28 1901 – August 19 1994 was an American Scientist, Peace activist, Author and educator. ^[38] 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". In Statistics, a meta-analysis combines the results of several studies that address a set of related research hypotheses ^[39]

A follow-up meta-analysis supported these conclusions:

Prophylactic use ". Prophylaxis ( Greek "προφυλάσσω" to guard or prevent beforehand) is any medical or Public health procedure whose purpose . . 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. "^[40][41]

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,^[42][43] 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. Zinc acetate is the Chemical compound with the formula Zn(O2CCH32 but more commonly refers to the dihydrate Zn(O2CCH32(H2O2 Zinc gluconate is the Zinc salt of Gluconic acid. It is an ionic compound consisting of two moles of gluconate for each mole of zinc ^[44][45] Some studies have shown some effect of zinc preparations on the duration of the common cold, but conclusions are diverse. ^[46][47][48] About half of studies demonstrate efficacy. Even studies that show clinical effect have not demonstrated the mechanism of action. ^[49] 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. Citric acid is a weak organic Acid. It is a natural Preservative and is also used to add an acidic or sour taste to foods and Soft drinks This article deals with the molecular aspects of ascorbic acid Glycine (abbreviated as Gly or G) is the Organic compound with the formula NH2CH2COOH ^[50] Furthermore, interpretation of the results depends on whether concentration of total zinc or ionic zinc is considered. ^[51][52]

There are concerns regarding the safety of long-term use of cold preparations in an estimated 25 million persons who are haemochromatosis heterozygotes. Haemochromatosis, also spelled hemochromatosis (see spelling differences) also called siderophilia Zygosity refers to the genetic condition of a Zygote. In genetics zygosity describes the similarity or dissimilarity of DNA between Homologous ^[53] Use of high doses of zinc for more than two weeks may cause copper depletion, which leads to anemia. Copper (ˈkɒpɚ is a Chemical element with the symbol Cu (cuprum and Atomic number 29 Anemia ( AmE) or anæmia/anaemia ( BrE) (from the Ancient Greek grc-Latn anaîmia, meaning “without blood” is defined as a qualitative ^[54] Other adverse events of high doses of zinc include nausea, vomiting gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, drowsiness, unpleasant taste, taste distortion, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea. Nausea ( Latin: Nausea, Greek:, " Sea-sickness " also called wamble) is the sensation of unease and discomfort Vomiting (also called throwing up, emesis) is the forceful expulsion of the contents of one's Stomach through the Mouth and sometimes the A headache ( cephalalgia in medical terminology is a condition of pain in the Head; sometimes Neck or upper back pain may also be interpreted Somnolence (or " drowsiness " is a state of near- Sleep, a strong desire for sleep or sleeping for unusually long periods (c In Medicine, diarrhea, also spelled diarrhoea (see spelling differences) is frequent loose or liquid Bowel movements Acute diarrhea ^[49][54] Some users of nasal spray applicators containing zinc have reported temporary or permanent loss of sense of smell. ^[55]

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. ^[56]

See also: Zinc gluconate

Steam inhalation

Many people believe that steam inhalation reduces symptoms of the cold. Zinc gluconate is the Zinc salt of Gluconic acid. It is an ionic compound consisting of two moles of gluconate for each mole of zinc ^[57]

However, a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study found no effect of steam inhalation on cold symptoms. The blind method is a part of the Scientific method, used to prevent research outcomes from being influenced by either the Placebo effect or the Observer ^[58] A scientific review of medical literature concluded that "there is insufficient evidence to support the use of steam inhalation as a treatment. "^[59] 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. "^[60]

Chicken soup

In the twelfth century, Moses Maimonides wrote, "Chicken soup. Moses Maimonides ( March 30 1135 – December 13 1204) also known as the Rambam, was a Rabbi, Physician, and . . is recommended as an excellent food as well as medication. "^[61] 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. Tongue-in-cheek is a term used to refer to humor in which a statement or an entire fictional work is not meant to be taken seriously but its lack of seriousness is subtle ^[62][63][64]

Historical research

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. ^[65] In the 18th century, Benjamin Franklin considered the causes and prevention of the common cold. Benjamin Franklin ( April 17 1790 was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America. 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. ^[66] Franklin's theory on the transmission of the cold was confirmed some 150 years later. ^[67]

Common Cold Unit

Main article: Common Cold Unit

In the United Kingdom, the Common Cold Unit was set up by the Medical Research Council in 1946. In Britain the Common Cold Unit (CCU also known as the Common Cold Research Unit (CCRU was set up by the civilian Medical Research Council (MRC in 1946 on the The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located In Britain the Common Cold Unit (CCU also known as the Common Cold Research Unit (CCRU was set up by the civilian Medical Research Council (MRC in 1946 on the The Medical Research Council (MRC is a UK organisation dedicated to "promot the balanced development of medical and related biological research The unit worked with volunteers who were infected with various viruses. ^[68] The rhinovirus was discovered there. ^[69] 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. Year 1950 ( MCML) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Tissue culture is the growth of tissues and/or cells separate from the organism In the 1970s, the CCU demonstrated that treatment with interferon during the incubation phase of rhinovirus infection protects somewhat against the disease^[70], but no practical treatment could be developed. Year 1970 ( MCMLXX) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link shows full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Interferons ( IFN s are natural Proteins produced by the cells of the Immune system of most Vertebrates in response to challenges by foreign agents 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. ^[71]

See also

• Bronchiolitis
• Bronchitis
• Influenza
• otitis media
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Viral pneumonia

References

External links

• Duenwald, Mary. "Keeping Colds at Bay. Or Maybe Not", New York Times, 2005-01-01. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. New Year See also New Year The Ancient Romans began their consular year on January 1st since 153 BC Retrieved on 2007-08-15. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 778 - The Battle of Roncevaux Pass, at which Roland is killed  
• Common Cold. Canadian Lung Association (2006-09-28). Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 48 BC - Pompey the Great is assassinated on orders of King Ptolemy of Egypt after landing in Egypt. Retrieved on 2007-07-16. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 622 - The beginning of the Islamic calendar. 1054 - Three Roman legates fractured relations between the Western and
• Using over-the-counter drugs to treat cold symptoms. Canadian Pediatric Society (March 2005). Retrieved on 2007-07-16. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 622 - The beginning of the Islamic calendar. 1054 - Three Roman legates fractured relations between the Western and
• Colds in children. Canadian Pediatric Society (October 2005). Retrieved on 2007-07-16. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 622 - The beginning of the Islamic calendar. 1054 - Three Roman legates fractured relations between the Western and
• US Food and Drug Administration, May 2000. What to Do for Colds and Flu
• Common Cold Links to health information from MedlinePlus
• Common Cold syllabus from Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology, by Neal Chamberlain, PhD. MedlinePlus, with the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, is a website network containing Health information from the world's largest medical Library Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine

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