How to treat a cold quickly, according to a general practitioner

In the fall and until the end of spring, colds are back. “”The cold is a popular term, which somewhat designates all high respiratory infections“begins Dr. Romain Troalen, general practitioner.”In medicine, we speak of rhinitis (inflammation of the mucosa of the nose) or rhinopharyngitis (inflammation of the nose and the upper floor of the pharynx). In 99.9% of cases, they are viral infections. Those who are bacterial have become complicated. These are consequences linked to the inflammation of the mucous membranes because of the virus, which made that bacteria have settled in the wrong place. When they find themselves in the tonsils, it turns into angina, if it is at the level of the ear, it becomes an otitis, or at the level of the sinus there will be a sinusitis“. How to heal a cold quickly? Naturally? With drugs, essential oils or homeopathy? And in pregnant women?

Please note: colds do not “treat”! “”Our mission, to us doctors, is to verify that it is a cold, as well as making the disease more bearable before it is eliminated naturally by the body“Explains Doctor Romain Troalen. The treatment therefore consists essentially in lowering fever and reducing pain.”It is only a symptomatic treatment. In addition to paracetamol, we can prescribe nose washing, with sea water, but avoiding nasal decongestants: most vasoconstrictors have boring side effects like headaches“, He says. It is also important to ensure good hydration. It is recommended to drink a lot throughout the day: water, herbal teas, hot milk, soups, broths, hot chocolates, etc.

In the event of complications, antibiotic treatment may be prescribed.

“”In general, people want to get rid of the cold immediately, but there is no miracle solution. The cold does not disappear in the second: it lasts at least one week. So you have to be patient“, he recalls. In the event of complications, the doctor will generally prescribe antibiotic treatment, “But only in the event of complications! A cold, which is viral, never cares with antibiotics! “strongly insists the doctor. This could indeed lead to antibiotic resistance, which would be very problematic in the event of real infection later.

A study published in 2014 proved that zinc was helping to reduce the duration of the cold by increasing the body’s immune defenses. During the meta-analysis, led by the Cochrane Library on nearly 1,800 patients and whose results appeared in Jama, the average period of the cold had gone from 8.5 to 4.5 days. Taking a tablet of 75 mg of zinc per day at most 24 hours after the first symptoms, would therefore be the only way to reduce the duration of the cold naturally. We can avoid taking zinc in the form of drugs by consuming foods which contain, such as molluscs and crustaceans, legumes, abuses and wheat germs.

“”The inhalations of essential oils of plants can give a feeling of relief, but you have to be careful, because they are extremely concentrated molecules, which can have side effects like headaches “, exhibits the doctor. In addition, to date, no study has demonstrated the effectiveness of certain phytotherapeutic or homeopathic treatments compared to the normal evolution of cold“. Among the famous essential oils in the event of colds: the ravintsara and the eucalyptus radiated are the most recommended. They are used in inhalation or diluted in a vegetable oil in massage under the plantar vault. Essential oils are always to be used with sparing and precaution.

“”The treatment of colds for a baby is based on the taking of Doliprane, and from nose washing to sea water“, Recalls the doctor. The only difference between the young child and the adult is that it is prohibited in the baby to give a drug against cough. It is also contraindicated to prescribe a vasoconstrictor in the adolescent under 15.

The same recommendations apply to pregnant women as in baby: Doliprane® and nose washing. “”You just have to be more vigilant, especially when there is a fever, and make sure that there are no complicationsspecifies the doctor. But it is the work of the doctor. The pregnant woman must simply take the only drugs that are prescribed and never self-medication“.

What drugs can we take against a cold?

The only medication now recommended in the event of a cold is paracetamol. Antiouleur, he calms the headache, the fever and the aches if there are any. The “decongestants” or vasoconstrictors as Actued®, Humex® … have not been over -the -counter since December 2024 because of their serious side effects (stroke, infarction …) recognized by the French health authorities. Only a doctor can now prescribe them. Long prescribed, corticosteroids are also not recommended now. Doctor Troalen considers that he “You should never give corticosteroids for a cold. There was a great era when they were systematically given, but it is not a good thing. Inevitably, it has the impression that it works, because they are very powerful anti-inflammatory drugs which lead to a very rapid reduction in symptoms. But they have an immunosuppressive effect, that is to say that they decrease the immune defenses, Increases the chances of having complications..

When to consult for a cold?

Healthy people who are not at risk (immunocompromised, older or young children) are not forced to consult for a cold if there are no associated or disturbing symptoms. If you are worried, the doctor may ensure that it is indeed a cold and no something else and prescribe paracetamol. “”What must lead to consulting is an abnormal duration of the fever, more than 4 days; As well as the appearance of new symptoms, such as ear pain, greater throat pain, a cough that has changed … “ he concludes. In any case, it should be remembered that a cold lasts an average of 10-11 days.

Thank you to Doctor Romain Troalen, general practitioner in the Paris region.