Ambulatory Healthcare Pathways for Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders Terence M. Davidson, M.D. Sinusitis Sinusitis Algorithm Nasal medicaments include decongestants, mucolytic agents, topical decongestants, antihistamines, nasal and systemic steroids and p.o. There is little science and much individual opinion about the treatment of the common cold. We recommend nasal saline, p.o. garlic, horseradish and lots of water.
Chicken soup is recommended as a treatment for the common cold.
Its efficacy is probably related to the garlic. It is therefore an excellent treatment for it contains fluids, salts and the garlic which stimulates rhinorrhea. Antihistamines concentrate and increase the viscosity of nasal mucus and impair mucociliary clearance. They are therefore counterproductive. They may provide benefit for individuals with allergic rhinitis.