UPPER RESPIRATORY-INFECTIONS - TREATMENT SELECTION FOR ACTIVE PATIENTS

Moderate exercise may reduce the risk of upper respiratory tract infec tions, but intense training can increase that risk. Though the average cold does not appear to hinder athletic performance, short-term sympt omatic treatment consisting of topical decongestants and/or nasal ipra tropium bromide may be useful for active patients. Vitamin C and zinc lozenges may reduce the duration of cold symptoms. Antibiotics are app ropriate for treating such complications as acute bacterial sinusitis, otitis media, or pneumonia but are ineffective against viral infectio n. Some drugs are banned by sports organizations, and others, such as first-generation antihistamines, may impair performance.