The common cold is aptly named. We've likely all experienced its symptoms, perhaps even multiple times per year. Although symptoms can be mild in some cases, they can also leave us feeling exhausted and miserable.
If you're feeling worn out and uncomfortable due to a common cold, finding the right remedy for your symptoms is important. Many over-the-counter medicines contain multiple ingredients, which can sometimes cause side effects. Choosing the best treatment for your needs can help you feel better faster while avoiding unwanted reactions.
What is the common cold?
The common cold is a mild, self-limiting upper respiratory infection that causes symptoms like stuffy nose and cough. The condition has been described for centuries and was initially associated with cold temperatures.
Exposure to viruses or sometimes bacteria leads to the common cold rather than exposure to cold temperatures. A potential explanation for higher rates of exposure during winter months is that as temperatures drop, people spend more time near each other indoors, and respiratory infections may be spread more easily.
Colds are often self-diagnosed and treated and are largely defined by their symptoms. Many respiratory viruses can be considered cold viruses because they cause cold symptoms, but the most common cause is rhinoviruses.
Respiratory viruses can be spread through the air in droplets from coughing or sneezing, direct touch between two people, or through contaminated surfaces.
Because viruses generally cause cold symptoms, antibiotics are not effective in treating such infections. The body's natural response elicited by the immune system is responsible for resolving the viral infection. In the rare cases of bacterial infection causing common cold, antibiotics may be prescribed by your healthcare provider.
What are the symptoms of the common cold?
Cold symptoms often include:
These symptoms can appear in stages and often peak within about 2–3 days after infection.
Cold symptoms can be very similar to the flu (and even COVID-19), but some key differences exist. In general, cold symptoms tend to be milder than those of flu:
- Fever and chills are more rare with a cold
- Body aches are usually slight
- Fatigue is common but less intense than with the flu
If you have a fever higher than 102ºF, visiting urgent care or your healthcare provider is recommended. If your fever is accompanied by a rash, vomiting, or diarrhea, seek medical attention right away.
How long does common cold last?
Common colds are mainly upper respiratory viral infections of variable origin. Multiple viruses can cause cold symptoms. As the viral cause and the individual health statuses vary, so do the severity and duration of symptoms.
In general, symptoms are often most severe within about 2–3 days before beginning to improve over time. The duration of the common cold varies, with some individuals feeling better within a week while others may continue to experience symptoms for multiple weeks. Some symptoms, like cough, can linger for several weeks.
How to get rid of the common cold
It's helpful to develop a clear understanding of the goals of therapy before choosing an approach to getting rid of a cold. Unfortunately, there is no definite cure for the common cold, no vaccine to effectively prevent colds, and no cold medication reliably treats the viral infection directly.
In general, the goal is to help relieve cold symptoms and support the body's natural immune function. This can help you feel better as your body clears the infection and recovers.
Cold medicines for symptom relief
With so many over-the-counter cold and flu remedies available, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right one. Many of these products combine several medications, some of which you may not need. Focusing on treating your specific symptoms may be helpful to avoid taking unnecessary drugs.
This way, you can choose a product that targets your symptoms without any extras that may not offer additional relief. Targeting your symptoms also helps you avoid accidentally doubling up on ingredients and lowers the risk of drug interactions.
Pain
Pain can accompany common cold symptoms in several ways, such as general body aches or sore throats. Pain relievers who are also antipyretics can also help reduce mild fever. If you go to the clinic, it's helpful to let your provider know when your last dose and what type of medication was taken because the medication can influence your body temperature.
Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin are often used to help manage pain.
Some important precautions may help you decide which pain reliever may be best:
- Acetaminophen is recommended for children and adolescents because it's generally considered safer than some other drugs. Individuals under the age of 18 should avoid aspirin because of the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious side effect.
- Aspirin and ibuprofen are both considered non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It's important not to combine multiple NSAIDs. It's also critical to avoid using these medications if you are taking blood thinners or have a history of gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g., stomach ulcers). NSAIDs can increase the risk of bleeding.
Runny nose or sneezing
Antihistamines are often used to help with an itchy, runny nose and sneezing. There are two basic kinds of oral antihistamines, referred to as first- and second-generation antihistamines.
First-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine, doxylamine, or chlorpheniramine work for a shorter time, often about four to six hours. They are more likely to cause side effects like dry mouth and drowsiness. These are commonly found in nighttime cold and flu products labeled with 'PM' since they cause drowsiness or sleepiness.
Using a nasal spray for a runny nose or sneezing may also be helpful. Antihistamines like oxymetazoline are sometimes recommended for no more than two to three days to avoid rebound symptoms.
Cough
The primary over-the-counter cough relief medication is dextromethorphan, often labeled as 'DM' in medication marketed for cold and flu symptoms. It's commonly paired with guaifenesin, an expectorant that helps loosen mucus so it can be cleared more easily.
Talking with a healthcare provider or pharmacist about cough suppressants is helpful. If you have a productive cough, treatment may not be needed unless it's particularly disruptive (i.e., interferes with sleep).
Cough drops are also commonly used based on personal preference. They can also contain ingredients marketed to support the immune system, like vitamin C or zinc. However, with some of these products, it's important to note that individuals managing diabetes should be mindful of often high sugar content in them.
Nasal congestion
Nasal congestion is caused by both a buildup of mucus or 'snot' and local inflammation narrowing the nasal passages.
Pseudoephedrine, a nasal decongestant, can temporarily help open nasal passages by restricting blood flow and reducing swelling. It's important to note that pseudoephedrine is not recommended for individuals with high blood pressure or a history of heart disease.
Nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline can be helpful in nasal congestion but shouldn't be used long-term. Saline (salt water) sprays and rinse products can also help loosen and physically remove mucus.
Immune response
Many cold and flu products are meant to help boost the immune response and shorten the duration of symptoms. While they are generally considered safe, clinical studies on their efficacy are mixed.
Some believe zinc may affect how viruses replicate in addition to supporting the immune system. Some research has shown positive results, but more research is needed to determine the best dosage, timing, and form of zinc (e.g., whether nasal sprays or lozenges) may be more effective.
Using a vitamin C supplement has been associated with a shortened duration of cold symptoms (e.g., nine days instead of ten). However, this effect was specifically seen in individuals continuously taking vitamin C for several weeks before cold symptoms began.
Elderberry is commonly used in various forms, such as teas, syrups, and gummies. While considered safe, a systematic review of clinical trials suggests elderberry supplementation does not have consistent results in alleviating symptoms associated with illnesses like the common cold.
Home remedies for cold symptoms
If you have cold symptoms, there are some helpful things you can do at home to feel better, regardless of whether you plan to use medication.
Drinking plenty of fluids may help loosen mucus, and staying hydrated is important as you fight infection, especially if you have a fever and sweat profusely. The fluid intake can be increased in multiple ways, including teas or soups, which also provide nutrition.
Steam inhalation, whether from a hot shower, humidifier, or mist vaporizer, may also help loosen mucus or aid in the prevention of dry nose.
The use of honey is sometimes suggested by healthcare practitioners, as it may be soothing for a sore throat.
Resting is important as your body fights the infection and to needs recover. Take steps to ensure you're getting enough sleep and avoid physical activity.
Prevention of common cold
Over-the-counter supplements are often touted to prevent colds, but the available clinical research is very limited. For instance, research suggests that if vitamin C is taken consistently over time, the duration of a cold may be slightly reduced, but colds are not prevented.
Hygiene is important for preventing the spread of viral illness. Wash your hands consistently and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the home, at work, or at the grocery store (e.g., the shopping cart handle). Of course, if you or someone you know is sick, it's helpful to avoid spreading germs through close contact.
Stress and inadequate diet may influence the function of the immune system. To support your immune system, prioritize mental health and stress management strategies and ensure you're getting adequate sleep. Eating a balanced diet with healthy fats, lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can help prevent nutritional deficiencies that may impact your immune system.
When to seek medical attention for cold symptoms
Sometimes, your symptoms may indicate a more serious infection or become more dangerous and require immediate medical attention. It's important to recognize these symptoms and seek proper care when needed. Visiting a doctor is recommended if you have:
- Symptoms that worsen or last longer than expected
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- A fever over 102°F (39°C)
- A severe headache or facial pain
- For any infection if you have a weakened immune system or are taking immunosuppressive medication
The common cold can be disruptive, and unfortunately, no established treatments are available that directly address the infection. The usual approach involves managing symptoms and some at-home remedies, and there are many ways to approach this. When you're choosing medications for the common cold, it's best to focus on your specific symptoms to help avoid unnecessary ingredients that may increase the risk of side effects and drug interactions.
FAQ
How can I relieve a stuffy nose quickly?
There are two primary ways to approach a stuffy nose related to mucus buildup and inflammation. Mucus buildup or snot can be loosened and cleared with moisture using saline nasal sprays, nasal rinse products, humidifiers, taking a hot shower, and staying hydrated. Nasal inflammation and swelling may be managed with antihistamines, nasal sprays, or decongestants like pseudoephedrine.
Can cold medicine cure a cold?
No, cold medicine is used primarily to relieve symptoms and help the body recover. There are no cures for the common cold.
Is it safe to take multiple cold medicines at once?
Some medications can be combined, but it's important to be mindful of potential duplicates or interactions with your existing therapy or health conditions. For instance, using multiple combination products may result in an excessive acetaminophen dose, which can be harmful to the liver. The best approach is to focus on managing the specific symptoms you have under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
What foods should I avoid when I have a cold?
Heavily processed foods high in sugar and saturated fats lack nutrients essential for many bodily functions, especially during recovery or illness. Consuming alcoholic drinks is also discouraged.
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The common cold is largely defined by symptoms and can be caused by many different respiratory viruses or, in rare cases, bacteria.
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There are no direct treatments for the common cold. The body's immune system is working to clear the infection, and you should aim to address symptoms if needed.
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Treatments focus on alleviating symptoms and getting adequate rest. Some at-home remedies may be useful during a common cold.
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When selecting cold medicine, choose those for your specific symptoms and ensure the medications you use do not have the same overlapping ingredients. This helps reduce side effects and lower the risk of interactions.
11 resources
- Frontiers in Allergy. Common cold.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About common cold.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cold versus flu.
- Informed Health. Overview: common colds.
- Paediatric Drugs. Aspirin and Reye syndrome: a review of the evidence.
- StatPearls. Rhinitis medicamentosa.
- Deutsches Arzteblatt. The diagnosis and treatment of acute cough in adults.
- Cochrane Library. Zinc for prevention and treatment of the common cold.
- Informed Health. Common colds: research summaries – does vitamin C prevent colds?
- BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Manage common cold.
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