Medicine
When you peruse the cold-medicine aisle in any drugstore, you’ll encounter an overwhelming variety of pills, capsules, nasal sprays, and potions.
But do any of them really work? This is a valid question, especially in light of the September announcement from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that phenylephrine — an ingredient in numerous cold and allergy meds — is ineffective as a decongestant.
With major pharmacy chains like CVS already removing products containing phenylephrine from their shelves, you might be wondering about alternatives if you catch a cold.
However, most doctors agree that there aren’t many alternatives.
According to Dr. Lauren Eggert, clinical assistant professor at Stanford University, most of the things available — antihistamines, decongestants, cough medicines — lack sufficient evidence to prove they significantly improve cold symptoms.
FDA foot-dragging
This problem began decades ago when FDA approval standards were lower, and clinical studies were relatively new. Consequently, many drugs received approval despite scant evidence of their effectiveness.
As a result, drugs that have been on the market for decades may fall short of expectations when scrutinized by the FDA in a bureaucratic process that can take years, as phenylephrine did. However, they remain available to consumers despite their limited effectiveness.
A 2018 report in the journal Allergy & Asthma Proceedings found little evidence to support OTC medications’ claims regarding the common cold and its respiratory symptoms.
Furthermore, research indicates that various OTC medications, including cough suppressants and mucus-thinning drugs, lack sufficient evidence to justify their use.
Eggert emphasizes that antihistamines, vitamins, and herbal remedies have limited effectiveness, while cough syrups, decongestants, expectorants, and zinc offer minimal or uncertain benefits.
Which cold meds work?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of the common cold — sneezing, coughing, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose — there are some remedies to consider.
For aches and pain, proven remedies like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) are recommended. However, if you have a high fever, it’s important to be mindful of potential serious illnesses like the flu, which these painkillers can also help relieve.
The Mayo Clinic suggests saline nasal sprays and drops to alleviate congestion. Additionally, taking a hot shower or using a humidifier to add moisture to the air can help improve breathing.
For throat comfort and cough relief, consider adding honey to hot tea. And if you’re dealing with a sore or scratchy throat, a saltwater gargle might provide temporary relief.
However, it’s important to exercise caution before administering these remedies to young children, as they might not be able to gargle properly, keep a cough lozenge in their mouths, or tolerate pain medications intended for adults.
Grandma was right about chicken soup
A bowl of hot chicken soup might offer relief from common cold symptoms, says Kara Collier, a registered dietitian nutritionist and co-founder of Nutrisense in Chicago.
She explains that the vegetables and seasonings used in chicken soup provide essential minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids that support the body’s immune system. The warm broth may also help open up congested nasal and throat passages, facilitating better management of cold and flu symptoms.
Ultimately, the best remedy for the common cold may be taking a day or so to rest. According to Dr. Shalini Lynch, clinical professor at the University of California – San Francisco, most upper respiratory infections require time for recovery.
While instant relief is desirable, Lynch emphasizes that coughs and colds typically take time to resolve.
