Advances in treating the common cold: an update for otolaryngologists

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Abstract
Even though the common cold is one of the most common infections experienced by modern society, its origins, pathophysiology, and treatment remain poorly understood by the lay person and by many medical professionals. This article presents and discusses the pathophysiology of these viral infections and numerous studies that support or refute the effectiveness of several common treatment modalities, including antibiotics, antihistamines and decongestants, anticholinergics, mast cell stabilizers, herbal medicines, zinc, and steam therapy. This article also reviews several newer antiviral agents that have recently been evaluated in clinical trials and that may ultimately provide a starting point for development of effective cold therapies.