Upper respiratory infections: treatment selection for active patients.

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