Common cold

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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Can babies take medicine when they have a cold?

Babies can certainly take medicine when they have a cold. However, if the symptoms are mild and the general condition is good, and the baby can eat and sleep well, it might not be necessary to medicate. It's important to pay close attention and there might be a possibility of natural recovery without medication. If the symptoms of the cold are severe, it is necessary to take medicine, because if it is not controlled in time, it may lead to new infections. For example, a secondary bacterial infection could develop, and there is also a possibility that a cold in the upper respiratory tract could progress to the lower respiratory tract and cause pneumonia, which poses a significant risk. When choosing medications, we generally need to opt for those safe for infants, and avoid any medications contraindicated for infants. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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How to treat a cold caused by air conditioning

Using air conditioning with excessively low temperatures can cause upper respiratory tract infections. Clinically, these patients are often seen in the hot summer months and may exhibit varying degrees of fever, nasal congestion, and runny nose, with some having yellowish nasal discharge. They may also experience sore throat, coughing, and coughing up yellow phlegm. For the treatment of such patients, it is often necessary to administer appropriate heat-clearing and detoxifying medicines. Treatment should be based on the patient's body temperature; if the temperature is excessively high, antipyretic medications should be administered promptly. If the body temperature is relatively low, not exceeding 38.5°C, physical cooling methods can be used along with patent medicines to clear heat and detoxify as symptomatic treatments. These can effectively alleviate the cold symptoms caused by air conditioning.

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Written by Li Ying
Gastroenterology
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Symptoms of a stomach cold

The most common symptom of gastroenteritis is vomiting. The presence of pathogens irritates the stomach, causing it to contract and expel its contents. Secondly, diarrhea is a common symptom, primarily due to irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, which significantly increases secretions and affects absorption functions, leading to faster intestinal movements and resulting in loose stools. Thirdly, the increased intestinal movements can also lead to abdominal pain, along with the diarrhea.

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Written by Liu Yong
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Does wind-heat cold cause nasal congestion?

Wind-heat colds can lead to nasal congestion, yellow nasal discharge, and dizziness, making it quite uncomfortable. The main symptoms of wind-heat cold include sore throat, yellow phlegm, yellow urine, dry stools, sweating, coughing, and fever. For nasal congestion, it is important to treat it promptly as symptoms will improve as the condition gets better. When congestion is severe, applying a hot towel to the nasal area can help alleviate discomfort. It is also advisable to drink plenty of water, ventilate indoor areas by opening windows, eat a light diet, and consume fresh fruits and vegetables.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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What is chill in the context of cold?

Colds caused by exposure to wind are common, so it's advisable to take some cold medicine or drink herbal teas, such as chrysanthemum tea, to alleviate symptoms. It's important to maintain adequate sleep, avoid excessive stress and overheating. If the cold is severe, it is best to visit a local hospital for symptomatic treatment by a doctor rather than self-medicating blindly. In terms of home environment, it’s recommended to avoid direct exposure to air conditioning or fans. Drinking plenty of lukewarm water and eating nutritious foods, such as lean meats, eggs, beans, and dairy products, can help boost the immune system. It's also wise to consume less spicy and irritating foods.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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Can I eat mutton if I have a cold and cough?

It is best not to eat lamb during a cold with coughing, as lamb is a kind of warming and tonifying food. Eating lamb can facilitate the production of phlegm by promoting internal heat, which may worsen the cough. Therefore, during a cold with coughing, it is advisable to avoid lamb and eat a light diet, avoiding spicy, greasy, raw, or irritating foods. However, it is important to note that during the recovery phase from a cold with coughing, it is appropriate to consume some lamb to replenish proteins and calcium, enhance resistance, and facilitate quicker recovery from the illness, so everyone is advised to pay attention to this. Additionally, it is also important to consume it in moderation, not in large quantities at once, as the digestive function is also reduced during a cold with coughing. Eating too much lamb at this time can lead to indigestion and increase the burden on the intestines. At the same time, it is recommended to maintain a light diet, consume more fresh fruits and vegetables to supplement vitamins, and improve resistance during a cold with coughing.

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Written by An Yong Peng
Pulmonology
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Symptoms of the common cold

The common cold usually manifests with symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and coughing, often leading to a dry cough without significant phlegm. Additionally, the common cold may also accompany muscle aches, fatigue, and even headaches as general symptoms. Sometimes, patients with the common cold may also exhibit fever, though high fever is relatively rare. Regarding the common cold, the condition generally has a self-limiting nature, and symptomatic treatment usually leads to recovery. However, caution is still needed. Sometimes, the common cold can also coincide with pneumonia, although this is relatively rare. Close observation of the condition is necessary; if cold symptoms persist or are accompanied by high fever and purulent sputum, active investigation should be undertaken.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What should I do if I have a cold and a runny nose?

Symptoms of a cold with a runny nose do not need to be overly worried about. Clinically, symptomatic treatment is mainly adopted, such as the local use of Ephedrine Nasal Drops, which can relieve the swelling of the nasal mucosa, causing the capillaries to constrict and control the symptoms of a runny nose. You can also choose Chinese patent medicines that open the orifices, such as Huodan Pills, Qianbai Biyan Tablets, Nose Comfort Tablets, etc., or take medicines that inhibit gland secretion, such as Chlorpheniramine Maleate Tablets, Cimetidine Tablets, etc. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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How to clear phlegm for a baby with a cold?

There are several methods to help a baby with a cold expel phlegm, which are as follows: First, you can give the infant some Western or traditional Chinese medicines that help expel phlegm to aid the removal of mucus. Second, gently patting the baby's back can also facilitate the expulsion of phlegm. Third, if possible, using a phlegm suction device can help the baby expel phlegm. Fourth, administering nebulized medications that help expel and remove phlegm can be effective. Lastly, it's important to treat the cause of the baby's cold-related phlegm production. Most colds are caused by respiratory viral infections, so taking antiviral medications can be very effective. If the cold and phlegm persist, be aware of the possibility of a secondary bacterial infection, which, if present, may require antibiotic treatment. (Note: Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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Is it good to run when you have a cold and cough?

A cold, also known as an upper respiratory tract infection, typically presents varying clinical symptoms in patients depending on the type of infecting pathogen. Commonly, patients with a cold experience coughs of varying degrees, which may be either dry or productive. Therefore, the choice of medication in clinical treatment often differs according to the nature of the cough. For patients with a cold and cough, if there are no significant fever symptoms, these individuals can usually engage in running. Running effectively enhances bodily immune functions and facilitates early recovery from illness. Consequently, patients with a cold and cough might choose suitable physical activities based on their condition. Persisting in such activities can not only expediate recovery but also help in boosting the immune system. Therefore, running is generally a good option.