NSAIDs can help relieve common cold symptoms

Washington, July 8 (ANI): A new study has revealed that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help relieve symptoms of the common cold.

A systematic Cochrane review of nine studies has revealed that NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen can relieve pain, fever, and other symptoms related common cold, but not prevent or treat it.

"The review found that NSAIDs improved most analgesia-related symptoms such as headache, ear pain, and muscle and joint pain," said lead author Dr Soo Young Kim, a professor at Hallym University Medical College in Seoul, South Korea.

"We also found that NSAIDs significantly improved sneezing associated with the common cold," Kim added.

This is due to the fact that many symptoms of the common cold are caused by inflammation due to viruses that do not appear in a single pathway.

Dr Norman Edelman, chief medical officer of the American Lung Association, agrees with the review findings.

"Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs provide relief for many symptoms of the common cold," he said.

"Even though they alleviate cold symptoms for many patients, it is unlikely that consumers expect NSAIDs to provide relief from all symptoms of the common cold.

"The review confirms the behavior of many consumers who are looking for a reduction of cold symptoms," he added. (ANI)