Common Cold (eBook)

Contents 6
List of contributors 8
Preface 10
A short history of the common cold 12
Abstract 12
Stone slabs and herbal arrows: Pre and early history 12
Needles and burning: China 13
Lead and honey: Egypt 15
Humors and medicine: Greco-Roman antiquity 16
Sparks and cauterizing irons: Arabia 17
When the soul sneezes and the stars blow their nose: The Middle Ages 19
A short digression: The Dreckapotheke (dirt pharmacy) 21
Herbal books and good advice: The Early Modern period 22
With tobacco and emetics: The 18th century 23
Cold and electricity, infections and microbes: The 19th century 25
The rhinovirus: The 20th century 27
References 29
Abstract 33
Introduction 33
Mechanisms of symptoms of common cold and flu 33
Local symptoms 37
Systemic symptoms 46
References 51
Common respiratory infections diagnosed in general practice 56
Abstract 56
Introduction 56
The viruses 57
Microbiological aetiology 60
Respiratory infections 61
Hospital admissions 76
Deaths 77
References 78
Epidemiology 85
Abstract 85
Introduction 85
Epidemiology of viral causes of CFLIs 86
Factors affecting the circulation patterns and clinical impact of respiratory viruses 86
Methods of detecting viruses in CFLIs 89
Questions raised by the co-detection of viruses among CFLIs 94
Associations between acute virus infections and chronic respiratory disease 97
Impact and cost of the common cold 99
Conclusions 101
References 101
The role of viruses in the etiology and pathogenesis of common cold 115
Abstract 115
Introduction: The role of viruses in the etiology and pathogenesis of common cold 115
Rhinoviruses 116
Respiratory syncytial virus 123
Human parainfluenza virus 129
Adenovirus 131
Human metapneumovirus 134
Human bocavirus 135
Human Coronavirus 137
Influenza virus 140
References 142
Etiology of the common cold: Modulating factors 156
Abstract 156
Introduction 156
Results 164
Conclusions 179
References 180
Host defenses 194
Abstract 194
Introduction 194
Local defense mechanisms 195
Breastfeeding 196
Systemic immune response/symptoms 198
Environmental factors, exercise, co-infections 200
References 200
Transmission of colds 204
Abstract 204
Introduction 204
Virus must be deposited in the environment and able to survive 207
Virus deposited in the environment must reach the portal of entry 210
Interruption of the proposed route of transmission must reduce the 211
incidence of infection 211
Interruption of cold transmission in the home environment 213
Conclusion 215
References 215
Interventions to prevent transmission of the common cold 218
Abstract 218
Introduction 218
The model of the phenomenon – Theoretical considerations 218
Empirical evidence for ways of interrupting the transmission of respiratory virus infections 221
The Cochrane review: Physical methods of interrupting the spread of respiratory viruses 222
What is effective? 222
Implications for practice 224
References 225
Antivirals for the common cold 227
Abstract 227
Background 227
Interferons 229
Interferon inducers 232
Capsid-binding compounds 232
Methodological quality of studies mentioned in the chapter 236
What history and evidence tell us 239
References 240
Antibiotic use for common cold 243
Abstract 243
Antibiotics do not help patients with a common cold 243
Are there patients for whom an antibiotic is reasonable, or is needed? 244
GPs frequently prescribe antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections 246
Why do GPs prescribe antibiotics for the common cold? 248
Patient attitudes contribute to antibiotic use 248
Antibiotics may harm patients – Directly and indirectly 248
The need to identify effective and acceptable alternatives to antibiotics 249
Programmes to persuade doctors and patients to reduce antibiotic use 249
Delayed prescriptions – An intervention specifically with doctors 250
Pearls of wisdom offered to our medical colleagues: say No! 250
References 251
Over the counter medicines for colds 254
Abstract 254
Introduction 254
Analgesics 255
Nasal decongestants 259
Antitussives 262
Antihistamines 265
Expectorants 266
Mucolytics 268
Menthol 268
Sore throat lozenges and sprays 271
Placebo effect 271
Multi-symptom treatments 272
Hot drinks 272
References 273
Vitamins and minerals 279
Abstract 279
Introduction 279
Vitamin C 280
Vitamin E 287
-Carotene 289
Multivitamin and multimineral supplements 291
Zinc 294
Bias against vitamins and minerals 299
Conclusions 300
References 301
Herbal, traditional and alternative remedies 312
Introduction 312
Phytotherapy 313
Apitherapy/bee products (honey, propolis, pollen, royal jelly) 329
Ayurvedic remedies for common cold 330
Homeopathic remedies 330
References 340
Index 351