Common Cold

Contents

List of contributors

Preface

A short history of the common cold

Abstract

Stone slabs and herbal arrows: Pre and early history

Needles and burning: China

Lead and honey: Egypt

Humors and medicine: Greco-Roman antiquity

Sparks and cauterizing irons: Arabia

When the soul sneezes and the stars blow their nose: The Middle Ages

A short digression: The Dreckapotheke (dirt pharmacy)

Herbal books and good advice: The Early Modern period

With tobacco and emetics: The 18th century

Cold and electricity, infections and microbes: The 19th century

The rhinovirus: The 20th century

References

Abstract

Introduction

Mechanisms of symptoms of common cold and flu

Local symptoms

Systemic symptoms

References

Common respiratory infections diagnosed in general practice

Abstract

Introduction

The viruses

Microbiological aetiology

Respiratory infections

Hospital admissions

Deaths

References

Epidemiology

Abstract

Introduction

Epidemiology of viral causes of CFLIs

Factors affecting the circulation patterns and clinical impact of respiratory viruses

Methods of detecting viruses in CFLIs

Questions raised by the co-detection of viruses among CFLIs

Associations between acute virus infections and chronic respiratory disease

Impact and cost of the common cold

Conclusions

References

The role of viruses in the etiology and pathogenesis of common cold

Abstract

Introduction: The role of viruses in the etiology and pathogenesis of common cold

Rhinoviruses

Respiratory syncytial virus

Human parainfluenza virus

Adenovirus

Human metapneumovirus

Human bocavirus

Human Coronavirus

Influenza virus

References

Etiology of the common cold: Modulating factors

Abstract

Introduction

Results

Conclusions

References

Host defenses

Abstract

Introduction

Local defense mechanisms

Breastfeeding

Systemic immune response/symptoms

Environmental factors, exercise, co-infections

References

Transmission of colds

Abstract

Introduction

Virus must be deposited in the environment and able to survive

Virus deposited in the environment must reach the portal of entry

Interruption of the proposed route of transmission must reduce the

incidence of infection

Interruption of cold transmission in the home environment

Conclusion

References

Interventions to prevent transmission of the common cold

Abstract

Introduction

The model of the phenomenon – Theoretical considerations

Empirical evidence for ways of interrupting the transmission of respiratory virus infections

The Cochrane review: Physical methods of interrupting the spread of respiratory viruses

What is effective?

Implications for practice

References

Antivirals for the common cold

Abstract

Background

Interferons

Interferon inducers

Capsid-binding compounds

Methodological quality of studies mentioned in the chapter

What history and evidence tell us

References

Antibiotic use for common cold

Abstract

Antibiotics do not help patients with a common cold

Are there patients for whom an antibiotic is reasonable, or is needed?

GPs frequently prescribe antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections

Why do GPs prescribe antibiotics for the common cold?

Patient attitudes contribute to antibiotic use

Antibiotics may harm patients – Directly and indirectly

The need to identify effective and acceptable alternatives to antibiotics

Programmes to persuade doctors and patients to reduce antibiotic use

Delayed prescriptions – An intervention specifically with doctors

Pearls of wisdom offered to our medical colleagues: say No!

References

Over the counter medicines for colds

Abstract

Introduction

Analgesics

Nasal decongestants

Antitussives

Antihistamines

Expectorants

Mucolytics

Menthol

Sore throat lozenges and sprays

Placebo effect

Multi-symptom treatments

Hot drinks

References

Vitamins and minerals

Abstract

Introduction

Vitamin C

Vitamin E

-Carotene

Multivitamin and multimineral supplements

Zinc

Bias against vitamins and minerals

Conclusions

References

Herbal, traditional and alternative remedies

Introduction

Phytotherapy

Apitherapy/bee products (honey, propolis, pollen, royal jelly)

Ayurvedic remedies for common cold

Homeopathic remedies

References

Index