Should You Put Some Zinc In That Stuffy Nose?

摘要

The intranasal application of zinc is a new option available for the treatment of the common cold. At a glance the current research is conflicting regarding the effect of intranasal zinc on the common cold. However, with more careful review it is apparent that the available research supports the observation that intranasal zinc, in the correct dose/formulation, significantly reduces the duration of naturally occurring common colds. But, the potential risk of anosmia (loss of smell) is also well established. This paper focuses on the research that has evaluated the effect of intranasal zinc on the common cold.