What is the best cure for a cold?

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Mickey S	death ;)

Alen	Hello, 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 that removes the virus particles.[9] 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.[10] 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. 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 most reliable treatment is a combination of fluids and plenty of rest. 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.[1] 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.[6] saline nasal drops may help alleviate congestion.[11] The American Lung Association recommends avoiding coffee, tea or cola drinks that contain caffeine and avoiding alcoholic beverages. Both caffeine and alcohol cause dehydration.[7] Antibiotics Antibiotics do not have any beneficial effect against the common cold. Their use in cases of common cold infection is ineffective and may contribute to antibiotic resistance of bacteria present in the patient's body. 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, 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 local blood vessels cough suppressants such as Dextromethorphan which suppress the cough reflex. 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). Second generation anti-histamines do not have a useful effect on colds. Herbal remedies 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 efficacy is unproven. Mustard plasters are an unproven homeopathic remedy for cold symptoms. Unfortunately, inhaling the active ingredient, mustard oil, can cause sneezing, coughing and asthma attacks. Skin contact for more than 30 minutes can cause blisters and ulcers Echinacea Echinacea, commonly called coneflowers, are plants with large showy heads of composite flowers . They are herbaceous, drought-tolerant perennial plants, native to North America, growing to 1 or 2 m in height. Echinacea is used in herbal preparations used to prevent or treat 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."[16][17] 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.[18][19] A structured review of 9 placebo controlled studies suggested that the effectiveness of Echinacea in the treatment of colds has not been established.[20] 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.[21][22] 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, or reduce the severity of the symptoms.[23] Most authoritative sources consider the effect of Echinacea on the cold unproven.[2][6][7][24] Reported adverse effects of Echinacea include nausea, dizziness, dyspnea, rash, dermatitis, pruritis, and hepatotoxicity. These tend to be infrequent, mild and transient. Echinacea should not be taken with hepatotoxic drugs or immunosuppressants.[25] Forty-five percent of retail Echinacea products failed quality testing by an independent consumer testing laboratory, due to either high lead levels, or low plant chemicals.[ vitamin C A well known supporter of the theory that Vitamin C megadosage prevented infection was Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling,[27] who wrote the bestseller Vitamin C and the Common Cold.[28] 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.[29] 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.[30][31] 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,[32][33] 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. Because vitamin C is metabolized to oxalic acid in the body, some scientists have long speculated that high doses may contribute to the development of kidney stones.[34] The U.S. Institute of Medicine recommends a daily requirement of 45mg to 90mg of vitamin C for adults, up to 85mg for pregnant women and up to 120mg for nursing mothers,[35] while the European Commission Health and Consumer Protection DG recommends 40mg/d for adults (50mg/d and 60mg/d for pregnant women and nursing mothers, respectively) [edit] Zinc preparations Zinc-containing lozenges were first claimed to be effective in the treatment of cold infections by Eby, Davis, and Halcomb.[37] There have been a number of clinical studies of the efficacy of Zinc, some of which have shown an effect and some of which have shown no effect.[38] A 1997 meta-analysis of six clinical studies concluded that "Despite numerous randomized trials, the evidence for effectiveness of Zinc salts lozenges in reducing the duration of common colds is still lacking."[39] A 1999 scientific review of published data concluded: "Overall, the results suggest that treatment with Zinc lozenges did not reduce the duration of cold symptoms. Evidence of the effects of Zinc lozenges for treating the common cold is inconclusive. Given the potential for treatment to produce side effects, the use of Zinc lozenges to treat cold symptoms deserves further study."[40] Another scientific review by George Eby in 2004, one that considered the solution chemistry of all Zinc lozenge formulations tested from 1984 through 2004, showed a statistically significant dose response when the amount of ionic Zinc, rather than total Zinc, was considered.[41] However, Eby and Halcomb failed to show any efficacy from Zinc gluconate nasal sprays in 2006, and suggested why some throat lozenges are effective, while nasal application is not effective.[42] There are concerns regarding the safety of long-term use of cold preparations in an estimated 25 million persons who are haemochromatosis heterozygotes.[43] Use of high doses of Zinc for more than two weeks may cause Copper depletion, which leads to anemia.[44] Other adverse events of high doses of Zinc include nausea, vomiting gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, drowsiness.[44] Some users of nasal spray applicators containing Zinc have reported temporary and/or permanent loss of sense of smell.[45] Although widely available and advertised in the United States, the safety and efficacy of Zinc preparations have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and they are not likely to have any utility against colds due to removal of ionic Zinc through additive food acids (citric acid, Ascorbic Acid and Glycine). Consequently, a "cure for the common cold" using Zinc Acetate lozenges without additive food acids[46] is not available due to marketing, rather than scientific, considerations. In the United Kingdom, the National Health Service includes Zinc lozenges in a list of not-recommended treatments.[3] Steam inhalation Many people believe that steam inhalation reduces symptoms of the cold.[47] However, a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study found no effect of steam inhalation on cold symptoms.[48] A scientific review of medical literature concluded that "there is insufficient evidence to support the use of steam inhalation as a treatment."[49] 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."[50] Chicken soup In the twelfth century, Moses Maimonides wrote, "Chicken soup...is recommended as an excellent food as well as medication."[51] Since then, there have been numerous reports 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.[52][53][54] However, the efficacy of chicken soup has not been studied in any rigorous clinical trials. Nevertheless, hot chicken soup is nutritious and easy to eat, aids in rehydration, and provides a temporary feeling of relief. With Regards, Alen

Kimmi H	you cant cure it, just wait xx

Susan Yarrawonga	Once you have actually caught a cold there is no cure and you just have to sit it out. You can, of course, take Menthol and other soothing agents that make you feel a bit better. Taking large amounts of vitamin C makes no difference once you have actually caught a cold and is a bit like locking the gate after the horse has bolted. If you take extra vitamin C every day it boosts your immune system and you will get fewer colds and they will be less severe.

J S	If treated, a cold will disappear in about 7 days. Untreated it will last about a week. Just one of those things that only mother nature can cure. Sorry.

alex11440	i get long showers and baths and the steam sort of calms it down a bit

nad m a	no proof that there is a medication that can cure cold,, all what u see in markets just mild relief of symptoms,, try not to take any medication and you will be cured spotaneously

russ.gower@btinternet.com	A nice hot curry!

snowbirdy	I don't think they are any cure for a cold it just takes time.

beachgirl1909	Vitamin C and homemade chix noodle soup with plenty of Onion and Garlic in it. I also make a tea that helps get rid or the cold or flu. Boil fresh Ginger (the stronger the better) Pour the liquid into a cup over a Green Tea bag and add some honey.

Mr Biscuits	I always find sweating it out helps me. Plenty of fluids, lots of clothes, and in bed with a good film or two.

HumphreyCat	The best thing is to start using Zinc lozenges as soon as you feel a cold coming- it really works, but you have to catch it early. I like these: http://www.coldeeze.com/

fionarwilkinson	lemon honey and paracetamol

inthedark	There aint one, Take lots of drinks and just try to stay away from other folk so that you don't spread it .

bellatrix	i usually go to the chemist and buy Contac this usually eases the cold symptons in a couple of hours, plus drink plenty of fluids

kim_da answers man!	The is nothing that you can do to completely stop the common cold, other than sit it out. But there some things that you can do to shorten the duration of a cold, like drinking lots of hot honey and lemon, inhaling vapour rub, and taking some asperin. Take a hot and relaxing bath and sleep lots! Hope you get better

Gardengirl	A cold will last for 7 days if you treat it and a week if you don't. The best you can hope for is relief from the symptoms by using one of the many products on the market.

shogunmatt2003	a hot...

DNA	drink tea with some lemon and wait till it goes away.

diamond	concoction of Tulse leaves- 10, Ginger 20 gm and one glass of water -boil for 10 min (to be cosumed in 3-4 times a day, reheat before drinking). Repeat for next 2 days This is not a cure but very much soothing and post effects of cold are minimised. If you consume 5 tulsi leaves daily in the form of concoction then within a year you may get rid of frequent attacks of cold

julie a	Whisky warmed up slightly with a drop of honey and lemon, a few of these and you wont remember you have a cold!

wheeliebin	I am under the impression that there is no cure for the common cold! However! You can alleviate the symptoms by taking Cold or flu tablets from a pharmaceutical chemist. Have a great day.

Spiny Norman	Menthol inhalant ( over a bowl of steam) and a good hot curry before going to bed with two duvets and a jumper on to sweat it out.

PHYLLIS M	run a bath and put 2 tablespoon,s of mustard into it.it,s an old remedy.

snetterton	Ibuprofen to reduce temperature, a Decongestant to relieve blocked nose. Lots of fluids. That's it.

Shamira R	Plenty of fluids, Vitamin C and get some rest.

woodntop5	Echinacea tincture. Can be bought at most mainstream chemists. Put 15-20 drops of tincture into a shot glass and fill with water. Drink - do this 3 times a day for 4 days and you will see the difference! Especially good to clear up symptoms of yellow/green mucus (chest infection, sinusitus etc.) Do not take as a prevention, as this will build up resistence, only as a cure.

Sam Sock Puppet	There is no cure for the common cold. Its a well known fact. Just sit it out. Its actually good for the immune system to have the old cold now and then.

bare hug	There is no cure. All you can do is relieve the symptoms a little. :-)

Sunny on the inside	Time