Non-pharmacological remedies for upper respiratory diseases in the pandemic COVID-19 era

Abstract

In the pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era, the need to use preventive-curative treatments is compelling. A series of non-pharmacological compounds, including supplements (oligoelements and vitamins), probiotics, and nutraceuticals, might affect the risk of COVID-19 or reducing clinical severity. Non-pharmacological remedies are easily available and usually have no relevant side effects. There is evidence that bacterial and molecular substances may potentiate the immune system against respiratory viruses. Moreover, these compounds might exert essential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity in COVID-19. Furthermore, nasal lavage may be an additional resource for reducing the viral load and restore the integrity of respiratory patency. Therefore, preventive courses using non-pharmacological remedies could be prescribed to reinforce the immune response and adequate treatment of upper respiratory infection with natural compounds could be considered a reasonable way to manage people in the pandemic COVID-19 era.