RHINITIS
TREATMENTS |
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There is no cure for the common cold;
treatment is given for symptom relief. Medications include aspirin
or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for headache and
muscle pain, and decongestants to relieve stuffiness or runny nose.
Patients should be warned against overusing decongestants, because
they can cause a rebound effect. Antibiotics are not given for colds
because they do not kill viruses.
Supportive care includes bed rest and drinking plenty of fluid.
Treatments under investigation include the use of ultraviolet light
and injections of interferon.
Alternative treatment
Homeopaths might prescribe any of ten different remedies, depending
on the appearance of the nasal discharge, the patient's emotional
state, and the stage of infection. Naturopaths would recommend
vitamin A and zinc supplements, together with botanical preparations
made from echinacea (Echinacea spp.), goldenseal (Hydrastis
canadensis), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), or astragalus (Astragalus
membraneceus) root. |
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