This podcast explores the causes, misconceptions, and treatments of the common cold. It discusses unhygienic practices in commercial gyms and the relationship between psychological factors and disease risk. It also covers when to seek healthcare for a cold and the efficacy and risks of cough suppressants. Additionally, it delves into the effects of exercise on cold symptoms and explores post-viral syndrome and sponsor ads.
Analgesics like acetaminophen or NSAIDs can provide relief from pain and fever associated with the common cold, but they do not improve symptoms like cough, nasal congestion, or discharge.
Antihistamines like diphenhydramine or loratadine do not provide significant relief for the common cold and may cause side effects such as sedation or confusion.
Oral pseudoephedrine can help relieve nasal congestion in the common cold, while phenylephrine is not effective. Topical decongestants like oxymetazoline nasal spray can provide temporary relief, but long-term use can lead to rebound congestion.
Exercising with a cold is generally safe as long as the symptoms are localized to the upper respiratory tract and there are no signs of systemic involvement.
Deep dives
Analgesics: Relieve pain but do not improve other symptoms
Analgesics like acetaminophen or NSAIDs can provide relief from pain and fever associated with the common cold, but they do not improve symptoms like cough, nasal congestion, or discharge.
Antihistamines: Minimal to no benefit and may cause side effects
Antihistamines like diphenhydramine or loratadine do not provide significant relief for the common cold and may cause side effects such as sedation or confusion.
Decongestants: Pseudoephedrine is effective, phenylephrine is not
Oral pseudoephedrine can help relieve nasal congestion in the common cold, while phenylephrine is not effective. Topical decongestants like oxymetazoline nasal spray can provide temporary relief, but long-term use can lead to rebound congestion.
Other nasal sprays: Ipratropium can improve nasal drainage, but may cause dryness
Ipratropium nasal spray can improve nasal drainage and reduce rhinorrhea in the common cold, but it may also cause nasal dryness and nosebleeds.
The effectiveness of common cold medications
There is limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of common cold medications such as decongestants, antihistamines, and cough suppressants. Studies have shown that these medications do not provide significant relief or reduce the duration of symptoms compared to placebo. Coding, a commonly used cough suppressant, has been found to be ineffective and can have potential negative side effects. Expectorants like guaifenesin (found in Mucinex) have been widely used but have limited evidence of their effectiveness. Vitamin C and vitamin D supplementation also do not have substantial benefits in treating or preventing the common cold.
Exercising with a cold
Exercising with a cold is generally safe as long as the symptoms are localized to the upper respiratory tract and there are no signs of systemic involvement. It is important to consider the public health risk and avoid exercising in public places if you have active symptoms like sneezing, coughing, or fever. It is recommended to exercise to tolerance, adjusting the intensity or weight if necessary, and listening to your body. However, if there are symptoms or signs of systemic involvement, such as fever, extreme fatigue, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, it is advisable to refrain from intense exercise until symptoms resolve. Myocarditis, a rare but serious condition, can be a concern in some cases, but the risk is generally low with the common cold.
Post-viral syndrome and myocarditis
Post-viral syndrome is the presence of nonspecific persisting symptoms after the resolution of an acute viral infection. Myocarditis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the heart muscle tissue and can have serious consequences. While exercising with a common cold is unlikely to lead to post-viral syndrome or myocarditis, if symptoms or signs of systemic involvement are present, it is best to seek medical evaluation and potentially restrict physical activity until recovery occurs. However, these conditions are rare and not a reason to restrict exercise in the absence of significant symptoms.
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