Coryza
What is the common cold?
The common cold is a mild infection of your upper respiratory tract (which includes your nose and throat). Colds are probably the most common illness. Adults have an average of 2-3 colds per year, and children have even more. Colds are more common in the winter and spring, but you can get them at any time.
What causes the common cold?More than 200 different viruses can cause a cold, but rhinoviruses are the most common type. The viruses that cause colds are very contagious. They can spread from person to person through the air and close personal contact. You can also get infected when you touch something that has the virus on it and then touch your eyes, mouth, or nose. For example, you could get a cold after you shake hands with someone who has a cold or touch a doorknob that has the germs on it, and then touch your face.
What are the symptoms of the common cold?The symptoms of a common cold usually include:
- Sneezing
- Stuffy nose (congestion)
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Coughing
- Headache
The symptoms usually start a few days after you become infected with the virus. Some symptoms can last for 10-14 days.
What are the treatments for the common cold?There is no cure for the common cold. But there are treatments that can make you feel better while you wait for the cold to go away on its own:
- Getting lots of rest.
- Drinking plenty of fluids.
- Using a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer.
- Gargling with warm salt water.
- Using saline nose drops or sprays.
- Taking over-the-counter pain or cold and cough medicines. But you need to be careful with certain medicines:
- Children and teens should not take aspirin.
- Some cold and cough medicines contain ingredients that are not recommended for children. Talk with your child's health care provider before giving your child any cold and cough medicines.
- Some cold and cough medicines contain pain relievers. If you also take a separate pain reliever with these medicines, you could be getting a dangerous amount of the pain reliever. Read the labels on the medicines and follow the instructions carefully. If you have questions, ask your provider or a pharmacist.
Antibiotics will not help with a cold. Antibiotics help with bacterial infections, not with viral infections such as colds.
Most people who have a cold will feel better after a week or two. However, some people who get a cold may develop other illnesses, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. This is more common in people with weakened immune systems, asthma, or other respiratory conditions. Contact your provider if you or your child have symptoms that concern you, such as:
- Trouble breathing or fast breathing
- Dehydration
- Fever that lasts longer than 4 days
- Symptoms that last more than 10 days without improvement
- Symptoms, such as fever or cough, that improve but then return or worsen
- Worsening of chronic medical conditions
There is no vaccine to protect against the common cold. But you may be able to reduce your risk of getting or spreading a cold by:
- Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoiding touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoiding close contact, such as kissing, shaking hands, and sharing cups and eating utensils, with others if you are sick or they are sick.
- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that you frequently touch.
- Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Then throw away the tissue and wash your hands.
- Staying home when sick.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Felter's Materia Medica on Coryza
ABIES (Tsuga canadensis)TSCA
The bark and prepared resinous exudate of Tsuga canadensis, Carriére (Abies canadensis, Michaux; Pinus canadensis, Linné). (Nat. Ord.... / ...hal symptoms. It enters into many proprietary and semiproprietary preparations for the treatment of coryza, congested turbinates, and ulcerations of the nasal fossae and throat. The oil dropped upon b... / ...be used where there is excessive secretion of mucus and the cough is largely precipitated by a feeble and relaxed state of the uvula and fauces. 1
The bark and prepared resinous exudate of Tsuga canadensis, Carriére (Abies canadensis, Michaux; Pinus canadensis, Linné). (Nat. Ord.... / ...hal symptoms. It enters into many proprietary and semiproprietary preparations for the treatment of coryza, congested turbinates, and ulcerations of the nasal fossae and throat. The oil dropped upon b... / ...be used where there is excessive secretion of mucus and the cough is largely precipitated by a feeble and relaxed state of the uvula and fauces. 1
ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA
The root of Asclepias tuberosa, Linné (Nat. Ord. Asclepiadaceae). United States and Canada. Dose, 5 to 60 grains. Common Names: Pleurisy Root,... / ... other chest affections. With the conditions named asclepias is of the very greatest value in acute coryza, la grippe, acute bronchitis, pleuro-pneumonia, and pneumonia, both catarrhal and croupous. I...1
The root of Asclepias tuberosa, Linné (Nat. Ord. Asclepiadaceae). United States and Canada. Dose, 5 to 60 grains. Common Names: Pleurisy Root,... / ... other chest affections. With the conditions named asclepias is of the very greatest value in acute coryza, la grippe, acute bronchitis, pleuro-pneumonia, and pneumonia, both catarrhal and croupous. I...1
CAMPHORA
A stearopten (having the nature of a ketone) derived from Cinnamomum Camphora. (Linné), Nees et Ebermeier (Nat. Ord. Lauraceae). China and... / ... or camphor dropped into hot water, gives relief in nervous headache, and often aborts acute colds, coryza, and influenza, giving respite from the excessive secretion and the accompanying headache. A ... / ...due to gaseous distention of the stomach, or to nervous irritability. In occipital headache, from mental strain, or overstudy, small doses of 1
A stearopten (having the nature of a ketone) derived from Cinnamomum Camphora. (Linné), Nees et Ebermeier (Nat. Ord. Lauraceae). China and... / ... or camphor dropped into hot water, gives relief in nervous headache, and often aborts acute colds, coryza, and influenza, giving respite from the excessive secretion and the accompanying headache. A ... / ...due to gaseous distention of the stomach, or to nervous irritability. In occipital headache, from mental strain, or overstudy, small doses of 1
EUPHRASIAEUAE3
... 1 to 60 drops. Specific Indications.Acute catarrhal diseases of the eyes, nose, and ears; fluent coryza with copious discharge of watery mucus. Secretion of acrid mucus from the eyes and nose wit...... and attended with heat, pain, burning, and sneezing. It is one of the most certain agents in acute coryza and in mucous ophthalmia, with abundant lacrimation. It is equally effective when acute catar......ucus befogging vision is a euphrasia indication. With such ocular disorders is usually more or less coryza, which may be far less hot and biting, or may be bland. The drug has proved especially useful...1
... 1 to 60 drops. Specific Indications.Acute catarrhal diseases of the eyes, nose, and ears; fluent coryza with copious discharge of watery mucus. Secretion of acrid mucus from the eyes and nose wit...... and attended with heat, pain, burning, and sneezing. It is one of the most certain agents in acute coryza and in mucous ophthalmia, with abundant lacrimation. It is equally effective when acute catar......ucus befogging vision is a euphrasia indication. With such ocular disorders is usually more or less coryza, which may be far less hot and biting, or may be bland. The drug has proved especially useful...1
MENTHOL
Menthol. A secondary alcohol obtained from the oil of Mentha piperita, Linné, or from other oils of mints. It should be kept in well-stoppered... / ... is very comforting. A 10 to 20 per cent solution in liquid petrolatum or olive oil gives relief in coryza and hay fever, or may be sprayed into the larynx for the relief of the distressing pain of la... / ...is sometimes of value in hiccough. It should not be used in large doses internally because of the profound nervous disturbances it may occasion.1
Menthol. A secondary alcohol obtained from the oil of Mentha piperita, Linné, or from other oils of mints. It should be kept in well-stoppered... / ... is very comforting. A 10 to 20 per cent solution in liquid petrolatum or olive oil gives relief in coryza and hay fever, or may be sprayed into the larynx for the relief of the distressing pain of la... / ...is sometimes of value in hiccough. It should not be used in large doses internally because of the profound nervous disturbances it may occasion.1
PHYTOLACCA
The recently dried root and fruit of Phytolacca americana, Linné (Nat. Ord. Phytolaccaceae). North America, along roadsides and fences, and in... / ...dered root when inhaled is very irritating to the respiratory passages, and often produces a severe coryza, with headache and prostration, pain in chest, back, and abdomen, conjunctival injection and ...1
The recently dried root and fruit of Phytolacca americana, Linné (Nat. Ord. Phytolaccaceae). North America, along roadsides and fences, and in... / ...dered root when inhaled is very irritating to the respiratory passages, and often produces a severe coryza, with headache and prostration, pain in chest, back, and abdomen, conjunctival injection and ...1
PODOPHYLLUM
The dried rhizome and roots of Podophyllum peltatum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Berberidaceae). Rich woods and thickets of North America. Dose, 5 to 30... / ...ion and suppuration of the skin and subcutaneous tissues; inhaled they provoke sneezing and violent coryza, and drug workers handling either are sometimes affected with conjunctival inflammation. The ...1
The dried rhizome and roots of Podophyllum peltatum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Berberidaceae). Rich woods and thickets of North America. Dose, 5 to 30... / ...ion and suppuration of the skin and subcutaneous tissues; inhaled they provoke sneezing and violent coryza, and drug workers handling either are sometimes affected with conjunctival inflammation. The ...1
STICTA
The lichen Sticta Pulmonaria, Linné (Nat. Ord. Lichenes). Found upon tree trunks and rocks in England and the eastern United States, mostly in... / ...in the thoracic walls; hay fever with headache; catarrhal disorders with frontal tension, sneezing, coryza and conjunctival hyperaemia or inflammation. Action and Therapy.Sticta relieves pain and mu... / ...relieved by it simulates lameness, is increased by taking a deep breath, and feels like that arising from a bruise or muscular overexertion.1
The lichen Sticta Pulmonaria, Linné (Nat. Ord. Lichenes). Found upon tree trunks and rocks in England and the eastern United States, mostly in... / ...in the thoracic walls; hay fever with headache; catarrhal disorders with frontal tension, sneezing, coryza and conjunctival hyperaemia or inflammation. Action and Therapy.Sticta relieves pain and mu... / ...relieved by it simulates lameness, is increased by taking a deep breath, and feels like that arising from a bruise or muscular overexertion.1
VERATRINA
Veratrine, Veratria. A mixture of alkaloids obtained from the seeds of Schoenocaulon officinale, Asa Gray (Sabadilla officinarum, Brandt; Asagrea... / ...on is strong and applied with brisk friction. Inhaled, even in minute quantity, it occasions severe coryza and excessive sneezing. Muscular twitching has resulted from its application in ointment to ...1
Veratrine, Veratria. A mixture of alkaloids obtained from the seeds of Schoenocaulon officinale, Asa Gray (Sabadilla officinarum, Brandt; Asagrea... / ...on is strong and applied with brisk friction. Inhaled, even in minute quantity, it occasions severe coryza and excessive sneezing. Muscular twitching has resulted from its application in ointment to ...1
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Materia Medica on Coryza
ACID TANNIC (Tannin)
Powerful astringent. Employed locally as a styptic; internally sometimes prescribed in diarrhea, but more commonly drugs rich in Tannin such as Blackberry or Rhatany are used. Dose, 0.12 to 0.6 Grm. (2 to 10 grs.). Ointment Tannic Acid, U. S. P., (87% grs. to the ounce). Used especially in hemorrhoids. Glycerite Tannic Acid, U. S. P. (87% grs. to the ounce). Used as application to throat in relaxed condition, also locally in chronic coryza and ozena, and in certain cutaneous diseases. as eczema,2
Powerful astringent. Employed locally as a styptic; internally sometimes prescribed in diarrhea, but more commonly drugs rich in Tannin such as Blackberry or Rhatany are used. Dose, 0.12 to 0.6 Grm. (2 to 10 grs.). Ointment Tannic Acid, U. S. P., (87% grs. to the ounce). Used especially in hemorrhoids. Glycerite Tannic Acid, U. S. P. (87% grs. to the ounce). Used as application to throat in relaxed condition, also locally in chronic coryza and ozena, and in certain cutaneous diseases. as eczema,2
ANTIPYRIN (Phenazone)
Chemical name Phenyldimethylpyrazolon. Antipyretic, anal gesic, locally hemostatic. Used chiefly for relief of pain of a non-in fiammatory character, as in neuralgic affections and in locomotor ataxia. It often gives relief in whooping cough, and is a valuable remedy in epilepsy. Locally it is used with advantage in acute coryza and in hemorrhoids, associated generally with cocaine. Dose. 0.2 to 0.3 Grm. (3 to 5 grs.), which may be increased if the remedy is well borne.2
Chemical name Phenyldimethylpyrazolon. Antipyretic, anal gesic, locally hemostatic. Used chiefly for relief of pain of a non-in fiammatory character, as in neuralgic affections and in locomotor ataxia. It often gives relief in whooping cough, and is a valuable remedy in epilepsy. Locally it is used with advantage in acute coryza and in hemorrhoids, associated generally with cocaine. Dose. 0.2 to 0.3 Grm. (3 to 5 grs.), which may be increased if the remedy is well borne.2
CAMPHORDRYOB
A stearopten obtained from CINNAMOMUM CAMP:-roRA, F. Nees & Eber. Stimulates the nervous and vascular systems: antispasmo dic, anaphrodisiac. Prescribed in acute coryza, in diarrhea, in some spasmodic affections, and to allay maniacal and sexual excitement. Dose, 0.06 to0.3 Grm. (1 to 5 grs.); in low fevers and in mania 0.6 to 1.3 Grm. (10 to 20 grs.) may be given.2
A stearopten obtained from CINNAMOMUM CAMP:-roRA, F. Nees & Eber. Stimulates the nervous and vascular systems: antispasmo dic, anaphrodisiac. Prescribed in acute coryza, in diarrhea, in some spasmodic affections, and to allay maniacal and sexual excitement. Dose, 0.06 to0.3 Grm. (1 to 5 grs.); in low fevers and in mania 0.6 to 1.3 Grm. (10 to 20 grs.) may be given.2
DOVER POWDER (Powder of Ipecac and Opium)
A combination of IPECAC with OPIUM, remarkably for its dia phoretic efficiency. It is of great value in the early stage of acute inflammatory affections such as coryza, bronchitis, pleurisy and especially in muscular rheumatism. It may be advantageously com bined with camphor and with quinine hydrobnomide. The formula of the oflicial preparation (Powder of Ipecac and Opium) is; Ipecac, 1 part; Powdered Opium, 1 part; Sugar of Milk 8 parts. Dose, 0.13 to 0.65 Grm. (2 to 10 grs.). See Tully Powder2
A combination of IPECAC with OPIUM, remarkably for its dia phoretic efficiency. It is of great value in the early stage of acute inflammatory affections such as coryza, bronchitis, pleurisy and especially in muscular rheumatism. It may be advantageously com bined with camphor and with quinine hydrobnomide. The formula of the oflicial preparation (Powder of Ipecac and Opium) is; Ipecac, 1 part; Powdered Opium, 1 part; Sugar of Milk 8 parts. Dose, 0.13 to 0.65 Grm. (2 to 10 grs.). See Tully Powder2
EYEBRIGHTEUPHR
The herb, EUPHRASIA OFFICINALIS, Lin. Mildly astringent. Has been recommended as a “specific” in acute coryza, given in small, frequently repeated doses.2
The herb, EUPHRASIA OFFICINALIS, Lin. Mildly astringent. Has been recommended as a “specific” in acute coryza, given in small, frequently repeated doses.2
PLEURISY ROOT (Asclepias)
The root of ASCLEPIAS TUBEROsA, Lin. Diaphoretic, expec torant, carminative, antipyretic; in large doses emetic and cathartic. Prescribed in the formative stage of fevers, in coryza and acute nasal catarrh of infants, in colliquative sweats of phthisis, in pleurodynia, intercostal neuralgia and rheumatism.2
The root of ASCLEPIAS TUBEROsA, Lin. Diaphoretic, expec torant, carminative, antipyretic; in large doses emetic and cathartic. Prescribed in the formative stage of fevers, in coryza and acute nasal catarrh of infants, in colliquative sweats of phthisis, in pleurodynia, intercostal neuralgia and rheumatism.2
SUPRARENAL GLANDS
The dried glands or an extract prepared from the same have been found to possess the power of causing contraction of capillary blood vessels.... / ...embrane promptly. Therapeutically such solutions are applied with excellent effect in epistaxis. in coryza and hay fever (applied to nasal mucous membrane), in trachoma, conjunctivitis and in uterine ...2
The dried glands or an extract prepared from the same have been found to possess the power of causing contraction of capillary blood vessels.... / ...embrane promptly. Therapeutically such solutions are applied with excellent effect in epistaxis. in coryza and hay fever (applied to nasal mucous membrane), in trachoma, conjunctivitis and in uterine ...2
TULLY POWDER
Resembles Dover Powder (q. v.) in its action and uses. It is the Compound jllorphine Powder of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, consisting of: Morphine Sulphate, 1 part; Camphor, 19 parts; Liquorice, 20 parts; Precipitated Calcium Carbonate, 20 parts. It is often prescribed in febrile disturbances, particularly in acute coryza or bronchitis. Dose, 0.12 to 0.30 Grm. (2 to 5 grs. ).2
Resembles Dover Powder (q. v.) in its action and uses. It is the Compound jllorphine Powder of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, consisting of: Morphine Sulphate, 1 part; Camphor, 19 parts; Liquorice, 20 parts; Precipitated Calcium Carbonate, 20 parts. It is often prescribed in febrile disturbances, particularly in acute coryza or bronchitis. Dose, 0.12 to 0.30 Grm. (2 to 5 grs. ).2
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Therapeutics Memoranda on Coryza
CATARRH, NASAL (See also Coryza)
Chronic Nasal Catarrh in our climate is an intractable affection. In mild cases Alkal-Antiseptine, well diluted with water and ap plied twice daily by aid of the little douche that accompanies it, is all the treatment needed. Application of Iodosyl once daily has a most happy effect. Tonics are often indicated. Atrophic Nasal Catarrh calls for use of more active antiseptics and a stimulating treatment, silver nitrate, iodine and hydrogen peroxide being the most useful remediés.2
Chronic Nasal Catarrh in our climate is an intractable affection. In mild cases Alkal-Antiseptine, well diluted with water and ap plied twice daily by aid of the little douche that accompanies it, is all the treatment needed. Application of Iodosyl once daily has a most happy effect. Tonics are often indicated. Atrophic Nasal Catarrh calls for use of more active antiseptics and a stimulating treatment, silver nitrate, iodine and hydrogen peroxide being the most useful remediés.2
CORYZA
Treat early stage as in acute bronchitis. The local congestion may be relieved by application of a 4 per cent. solution of cocaine, or a solution of suprarenal extract. Spray or vapor of camphor and menthol or use by inhaler of a little Phenol Camphor gives much relief. Alkal-Antiseptine with nasal douche is a useful remedy.2
Treat early stage as in acute bronchitis. The local congestion may be relieved by application of a 4 per cent. solution of cocaine, or a solution of suprarenal extract. Spray or vapor of camphor and menthol or use by inhaler of a little Phenol Camphor gives much relief. Alkal-Antiseptine with nasal douche is a useful remedy.2
LARYNGITIS
General treatment the same as in acute bronchitis or coryza, As special remedies, inhalations of steam from water to which has been added compound tincture benzoin or Antiseptine or in later stages eucalyptol (a few drops) or menthol, or these latter may be mixed with albolene and used in spray. As local application, at first Glyceroplasma or Phenol Camphor (a few drops several times a day), later oil turpentine or tincture iodine as counter-irritant.2
General treatment the same as in acute bronchitis or coryza, As special remedies, inhalations of steam from water to which has been added compound tincture benzoin or Antiseptine or in later stages eucalyptol (a few drops) or menthol, or these latter may be mixed with albolene and used in spray. As local application, at first Glyceroplasma or Phenol Camphor (a few drops several times a day), later oil turpentine or tincture iodine as counter-irritant.2
References
1) Felter, Harvey Wickes, 1922, The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Cincinnati, Ohio.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.