infectious diseases
Common Cold
Key Points
Many viruses can cause the common cold; rhinoviruses cause about half of colds. Susceptibility to colds is not affected by exposure to cold, host health and nutrition, or the presence of upper respiratory tract abnormalities. Antihistamines may be used to relieve rhinorrhea, but they offer minimal benefit and should be used with caution in older patients and avoided in children < 4 years. Topical and oral decongestants relieve nasal obstruction, but repeated use may cause rebound congestion. Many substances have been evaluated for prevention and treatment, but none has clearly been shown to be beneficial. 