Background: The common cold is inarguably a multi-symptom syndrome. Thus, patients commonly use several medicinal products simultaneously to treat a range of co-existing clinical manifestations. Topical ointments...Background: The common cold is inarguably a multi-symptom syndrome. Thus, patients commonly use several medicinal products simultaneously to treat a range of co-existing clinical manifestations. Topical ointments with medicated vapours are a popular and effective treatment for the relief of various respiratory tract symptoms. Vicks VapoRub (VVR), a paraffin-based therapeutic ointment containing levomenthol, eucalyptus oil, turpentine oil and camphor, is frequently combined with other cough and cold treatments. However, little is known about which medications are commonly taken together and how patients experience the combined efficacy. Methods: A 20-question online survey to assess habits and beliefs amongst cold sufferers was conducted using the Toluna Start platform. A total of 1513 adults that had suffered from a cold or mild COVID-19 infection in the preceding 12 months were recruited from five European countries. Results: Most cold sufferers combined VVR with other cold medicines, such as paracetamol (75.9%), multi-symptom relief (MSR) products (64.0%) or nasal decongestants (57.0%) to treat their symptoms. VVR was mainly used topically, at night, and on days 3 - 4 of the disease. The addition of VVR to the treatment regimen was perceived as highly effective at relieving multiple cold symptoms. Furthermore, improved sleep and a free breathing sensation were attributed to VVR when used in combination with other cold remedies. Statements on VVR regarding effectiveness, sleep, sleep + effectiveness, speed of action and user satisfaction were agreed upon by a total of 74.8% to 88.3% of panellists. Conclusion: Our survey confirms that in Europe, VVR is commonly used as part of a regimen to manage cold symptoms, and contributes to better overall perceived relief as part of a multi-facetted treatment approach. Prospective clinical data are needed to further confirm these results.展开更多
文摘Background: The common cold is inarguably a multi-symptom syndrome. Thus, patients commonly use several medicinal products simultaneously to treat a range of co-existing clinical manifestations. Topical ointments with medicated vapours are a popular and effective treatment for the relief of various respiratory tract symptoms. Vicks VapoRub (VVR), a paraffin-based therapeutic ointment containing levomenthol, eucalyptus oil, turpentine oil and camphor, is frequently combined with other cough and cold treatments. However, little is known about which medications are commonly taken together and how patients experience the combined efficacy. Methods: A 20-question online survey to assess habits and beliefs amongst cold sufferers was conducted using the Toluna Start platform. A total of 1513 adults that had suffered from a cold or mild COVID-19 infection in the preceding 12 months were recruited from five European countries. Results: Most cold sufferers combined VVR with other cold medicines, such as paracetamol (75.9%), multi-symptom relief (MSR) products (64.0%) or nasal decongestants (57.0%) to treat their symptoms. VVR was mainly used topically, at night, and on days 3 - 4 of the disease. The addition of VVR to the treatment regimen was perceived as highly effective at relieving multiple cold symptoms. Furthermore, improved sleep and a free breathing sensation were attributed to VVR when used in combination with other cold remedies. Statements on VVR regarding effectiveness, sleep, sleep + effectiveness, speed of action and user satisfaction were agreed upon by a total of 74.8% to 88.3% of panellists. Conclusion: Our survey confirms that in Europe, VVR is commonly used as part of a regimen to manage cold symptoms, and contributes to better overall perceived relief as part of a multi-facetted treatment approach. Prospective clinical data are needed to further confirm these results.
