Cold Symptoms

Studies thus far are inconclusive as to whether taking Vitamin C cures, prevents, speeds recovery, or reduces the severity of the symptoms of the common cold.

Most studies have found that taking Vitamin C has no overall noticeable benefit for preventing or treating the common cold.

However, people living in extreme conditions or people under extreme circumstances have reported a 50% reduction in the risk of contracting a cold. The extreme conditions and circumstances include soldiers in sub-arctic exercises, skiers, and marathon runners. This evidence needs to be further investigated to verify these claims.

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/vitamin-c-000339.htm
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20070717/vitamin-c-cant-cure-common-cold
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/vitamin-c-does-not-protect-against-the-common-cold-457707.html
http://www.newsweek.com/2007/11/14/can-vitamin-c-cure-colds.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-c/NS_patient-vitaminc
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-c/NS_patient-vitaminc/DSECTION=evidence

A runny nose occurs when the tissues or blood vessels in your nasal cavity produce excess mucous. This excess mucous is the result of the body trying to remove viruses, irritants, and allergens.

Runny nose can be caused by a cold, influenza, allergies (to dust, pollen, pet dander, etc.), or as a response to tobacco smoke or spicy foods.

A runny nose usually clears up on its own, but you should see a doctor for any of the following scenarios:
- if the runny nose does not improve in 3 to 4 days
- fever
- shortness of breath or trouble swallowing
- colored mucous (green, brown, black, etc.)
- bleeding, bruising, or rashes