What are the management and prevention strategies for patients with cold symptoms, including those with underlying health conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Patient Information: Understanding and Managing Your Cold

What is a Cold?

Most short-term coughs and cold symptoms are caused by a virus infection, and antibiotics won't help—even if you're bringing up phlegm. 1 You'll likely feel tired with a running or blocked nose, possibly with mild fever and aching bones. 1

Treatment at Home

What Works for Adults

• Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen (paracetamol) effectively reduce fever and body aches 2, 3
• Zinc lozenges (acetate or gluconate forms) can modestly reduce how long your cold lasts if started within 24 hours of symptom onset 2, 3
• Nasal decongestants containing pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine help relieve stuffy nose 2, 3
• Honey and lemon is a reasonable home remedy if you feel the need for treatment 1
• Nasal saline irrigation can help clear nasal congestion 3
• Menthol lozenges or vapor rubs may provide symptom relief 1

What Works for Children

• Honey (for children one year and older) is effective for cough 2
• Acetylcysteine helps with mucus clearance 2
• Nasal saline irrigation safely relieves congestion 2
• Topical ointments containing camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oils can be applied to the chest 2

Important: Do NOT use over-the-counter cold medications in children younger than four years—they can cause harm with no proven benefit. 2, 3

What Doesn't Work

• Antibiotics are not effective for viral colds in children or adults 3
• Echinacea has inconsistent evidence and is generally ineffective 3
• Inhaled corticosteroids do not help cold symptoms 3
• Antihistamines alone are ineffective for cold symptoms in adults 3

Prevention

The best way to prevent colds is good hand hygiene—wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. 2, 3 Remember that coughs and sneezes spread diseases, so use a handkerchief and avoid close contact with others when you're sick. 1

When to See Your Doctor

You should seek medical attention if: 1

• You cough up blood
• You are breathless or have difficulty breathing
• You have prolonged fever and feel generally unwell
• Your symptoms persist for more than three weeks
• You have recently been hospitalized

Special Considerations for People with Lung Conditions

If you have asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis, heart disease, or diabetes, contact your doctor early when you develop cold symptoms. 1 Respiratory infections can trigger worsening of these conditions and may require specific treatment beyond standard cold remedies.

For Asthma Patients

Cold viruses can trigger asthma symptoms and increase airway inflammation. 4 Continue your regular asthma medications and contact your doctor if you experience increased wheezing, chest tightness, or need your rescue inhaler more frequently than usual.

For COPD Patients

If you have COPD and develop a cold with increased breathlessness, increased sputum production, or change in sputum color to yellow or green, contact your doctor promptly. 1 You may need antibiotics or increased bronchodilator therapy. Respiratory infections are a common cause of COPD exacerbations requiring medical intervention.

Stop Making It Worse

STOP SMOKING. 1 Smoking worsens cold symptoms and delays recovery. If you smoke and have recurrent respiratory infections, talk to your doctor about smoking cessation programs. 1

Timeline

Most colds resolve on their own within 7-10 days. 5 If symptoms persist beyond three weeks or worsen after initial improvement, see your doctor to rule out complications like bacterial sinusitis or bronchitis. 1