Treatment of Common Cold

Evidence Against Steroid Use

The American Academy of Otolaryngology recommends against the use of intranasal corticosteroids for symptomatic relief from the common cold, as there is no evidence to support their use 1, 2
The American College of Physicians found no benefit of intranasal corticosteroids for duration or severity of common cold symptoms is not a recommended treatment, however first-generation antihistamine/decongestant combinations have shown effectiveness for symptom relief 3

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can provide relief for headache, malaise, and myalgia associated with the common cold, according to the American College of Chest Physicians 4
Zinc administered as zinc acetate or zinc gluconate lozenges at doses ≥75 mg/day taken within 24 hours of symptom onset can significantly reduce the duration of common cold, as stated by the American Academy of Otolaryngology 1
Nasal decongestants can reduce symptoms of nasal blockage, though they should only be used short-term, as recommended by the American Academy of Otolaryngology 1
Newer-generation, non-sedating antihistamines should not be used as they are ineffective in treating common cold symptoms, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians and the British Thoracic Society 3, 5
The benefits of any symptomatic treatments must be weighed against potential adverse effects, as stated by the American Academy of Otolaryngology 1