The common cold affects millions of Americans every year. Although serious complications are rare, cold symptoms can have a significant impact on quality of life. Unfortunately there are currently no vaccines to protect people from the common cold. Most over-the-counter cold medications are designed to treat cold symptoms and not the infection itself. Although the data is inconclusive, some studies have suggested that zinc may affect viruses that cause the common cold.
(See References 1 and 2)
Causes
The common cold can be caused by over a hundred different types of viruses. These viruses quickly replicate inside the body and are easily transmitted from one person to another through contact with respiratory secretions. Although severe complications are rare, cold symptoms result in poor health and lost time at work or school.
Symptoms
The common cold is an upper respiratory tract infection that produces symptoms including sneezing, headache, fatigue, weakness, runny nose, nasal congestion, coughing, fever, sore throat and chest congestion. In most individuals, treatment involves managing symptoms until the virus can be eradicated by the immune system.
Treatments
Treatments for cold symptoms include plenty of rest and fluids to prevent dehydration. In addition, adequate nutrition is required to help the body fight the infection. Many over-the-counter products are available to treat the symptoms associated with the common cold. Individuals suffering from cold symptoms should talk to a professional health care provider to discuss appropriate treatment options.
Effects of Zinc
Zinc lozenges are marketed as a means of shortening the duration of the common cold. According to a study published in 1996 in the "Annals of Internal Medicine," researchers studied the effects of zinc gluconate lozenges on the common cold and found that patients taking zinc lozenges had a shorter duration of cold symptoms when compared to placebo. More studies would be needed to verify the results and to identify the exact mechanism by which zinc affects the common cold. Patients should speak with a physician with concerns regarding cold symptoms and appropriate treatment options.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Common Cold
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease: Common Cold
- "Annals of Internal Medicine"; Zinc Gluconate Lozenges for Treating the Common Cold A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study; Sherif B. Mossad, MD, et al.; (Jul. 1996).
