1、JULIA FASHNER, MD; KEVIN ERICSON, MD; and SARAH WERNER, DO, St. Joseph Family Medicine Residency, Mishawaka, IndianaAm Fam Physician. 2012 Jul 15;86(2):153-159.The common cold, or upper respiratory tract infection, is one of the leading reasons for physician visits. Generally caused by viruses, the
2、common cold is treated symptomatically. Antibiotics are not effective in children or adults. In children, there is a potential for harm and no benefits with over-the-counter cough and cold medications; therefore, they should not be used in children younger than four years. Other commonly used medica
3、tions, such as inhaled corticosteroids, oral prednisolone, and Echinacea, also are ineffective in children. Products that improve symptoms in children include vapor rub, zinc sulfate, Pelargonium sidoides(geranium) extract, and buckwheat honey. Prophylactic probiotics, zinc sulfate, nasal saline irr
4、igation, and the herbal preparation Chizukit reduce the incidence of colds in children.鼻腔盐水冲洗可以减少儿童感冒的发生。 For adults, antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, codeine, nasal saline irrigation, Echinacea angustifolia preparations, and steam inhalation are ineffective at relieving cold symptoms. Ps
5、eudoephedrine, phenylephrine, inhaled ipratropium, and zinc (acetate or gluconate) modestly reduce the severity and duration of symptoms for adults. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and some herbal preparations, including Echinacea purpurea, improve symptoms in adults. Prophylactic use of garlic may decrease the frequency of colds in adults, but has no effect on duration of symptoms. Hand hygiene reduces the spread of viruses that cause cold illnesses. Prophylactic vitamin C modestly reduces cold symptom duration in adults and children.
