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Common cold
How to determine if it is food stagnation or a cold?
The common cold is characterized by symptoms such as fever, chills, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, headache, and body aches. It is an externally contracted disease that can occur throughout the year but is most common in the winter and spring seasons, and when there is a sudden change in the climate. Overeating mainly results from dietary imbalances, leading to symptoms like loss of appetite, indigestion, bloating or pain in the stomach area, frequent belching, sour regurgitation, or vomiting, and having foul-smelling or irregular stools. This is more common in infants and toddlers, typically occurring after binge eating. Symptoms can suddenly include abdominal bloating, vomiting, or changes in the frequency and nature of bowel movements, without the general signs of an upper respiratory tract infection. If the issue is overeating, the baby may feel relief after passing stools or vomiting; however, if it is a cold, symptoms might include gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea, usually accompanied by mild fever and respiratory symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, or coughing. If vomiting or diarrhea occurs, the symptoms generally do not alleviate, and the baby would still feel very uncomfortable. Therefore, whether it is overeating or a cold can be determined by analyzing the specific conditions of the child.
What should I do if I have a cold?
When you catch a cold, first measure your body temperature, pay attention to rest and hygiene, avoid eating spicy and overly greasy food, avoid staying up late, avoid getting chilled, ensure sufficient and good sleep, and drink more ginger brown sugar water, which can warm the body, promote sweating and urination, and enhance metabolism. If there are symptoms of fever, you can also use antipyretic analgesic medications primarily for antiviral treatment based on the cause, as well as symptomatic treatment. You may choose to take Qingkailing granules or Banlangen granules for antiviral treatment.
Do you need an IV for a stomach flu?
When suffering from a stomach flu, symptoms often include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating. If the symptoms are mild, it is recommended that patients take some antispasmodic and pain relief medications orally. In terms of diet, it is best to avoid irritant foods and consume oral rehydration salts to prevent electrolyte imbalance and significant fluid loss. If the patient experiences severe diarrhea, it is advisable to appropriately supplement with sugar and electrolyte solutions or liquids. If the condition worsens, the use of antibiotics and antiviral medications may be considered.
The difference between viral and bacterial colds
The main differences between viral and bacterial colds are: First, the pathogens are different. Viral colds are primarily caused by viruses, while bacterial colds are mainly caused by bacterial infections. Second, the characteristics of contagion differ. Viral colds generally have stronger contagiousness, such as influenza, which has distinct characteristics of outbreaks and often occurs seasonally in spring and winter, with a sudden onset. Bacterial colds are less contagious and typically occur sporadically. Third, the symptoms differ. Generally, viral colds mainly present symptoms of nasal congestion, runny nose, and other upper respiratory catarrhal symptoms. Bacterial colds mainly present with fever, sore throat, tonsillitis, and other symptoms. Fourth, in terms of examinations, a typical hemogram for viral colds usually shows normal or low white blood cells, with an increase in lymphocytes, while bacterial colds often show an increase in white blood cells or neutrophils. Fifth, the treatment approaches differ. Treatment for viral colds primarily includes antiviral therapy, nutritional support, ventilation, and hydration. Bacterial colds are mainly treated with antibiotics and anti-infection therapies.
How to take care of a child with a cold
How to take care of a child during a cold? First, it is essential to ensure that the child rests in bed. Provide the child with plentiful water, offering small amounts frequently. If the child does not want to drink water, you can appropriately add some juice or glucose water. Also, monitor the temperature changes, generally measuring the temperature under the armpit. Second, it is crucial to keep windows open for ventilation at home, avoiding too cold or too hot environments, as neither is conducive to the child’s recovery from illness. Third, based on the changes in temperature, adjust the child’s clothing accordingly but avoid dressing the child too warmly or covering too thickly, as this can hinder heat dissipation. This is not only detrimental to the child’s recovery but can also exacerbate the illness and potentially lead to heat rash. Fourth, if the child sweats excessively, be sure to wipe the sweat timely and change their clothes. Fifth, in terms of diet, adopt a strategy of small, frequent meals that are light and easy to digest. The child should avoid eating fish, shrimp, spicy, and other stimulating foods. If the child has poor appetite or indigestion, do not force-feed them. Instead, frequently massage their abdomen, and if necessary, administer oral medication to aid digestion. Sixth, ensure adequate caloric intake and that the child urinates frequently and has regular bowel movements. Seventh, actively apply symptomatic treatment for the child and avoid the misuse of antibiotics. If the temperature persists for more than three days or if the condition worsens, it is imperative to visit the hospital promptly to avoid delaying the child's condition.
Symptoms of childhood cold and encephalitis
Some common symptoms of encephalitis secondary to a cold in children primarily include fever, usually moderate to high, though some may exhibit low fever. Next, symptoms such as headache, dizziness, primarily around the forehead, crown, or occipital region, may occur. This is followed by vomiting, which is generally more evident after eating or drinking, with some exhibiting persistent vomiting. Additionally, some may experience lethargy, weakness, or even seizures.
Symptoms of a cold in a two-month-old baby
Common nasal symptoms of a cold in babies include a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. Other possible symptoms are tearing, mild coughing, or throat discomfort. If the infection involves the nasopharynx, there may be fever, sore throat, tonsillitis, pharyngeal disease, congestion and proliferation of lymphatic tissues, and sometimes slight swelling of the lymph nodes. The fever can last from two to three days to about a week. Infants and young children are prone to vomiting and diarrhea.
What to eat for a child with a cold?
If a child's cold is considered to be caused by a viral infection, it is important to monitor the baby's temperature and mental response, among other factors. If the child does not have a fever, or only has a low fever and is in good spirits, simply monitoring the baby’s condition and ensuring they drink plenty of warm water and eat light, easily digestible foods is sufficient, with no other special requirements needed. However, some colds, such as those with persistent high fever, lethargy, and poor responsiveness, are more serious and require immediate attention. It is crucial to visit the hospital for further diagnosis and treatment in these cases. Sometimes, the impact of a cold should not be underestimated, as diseases like myocarditis and intracranial infections can initially be triggered by a cold. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis is necessary to make a judgement, and treatment should proceed under the guidance of a doctor.
Is it normal for a baby to urinate less when they have a cold?
If a baby catches a cold, it might affect their gastrointestinal function, followed by a noticeable decrease in milk intake. Furthermore, if the baby is uncomfortable, they may become fussy and cry more than usual, which can lead to increased insensible water loss. In such cases, the baby with a cold might experience less frequent urination. This is generally considered normal. However, if the baby's urination decreases but their milk intake and other conditions are stable, parents should check for swelling in the eyelids or lower limbs. If swelling occurs, it is definitely abnormal, and medical attention should be sought promptly. The doctor will conduct specific examinations based on the baby's condition and decide if treatment is necessary.
Differences between viral colds and bacterial colds in children
When children have a viral cold, they have a runny nose with clear mucus, whereas bacterial colds usually do not involve a runny nose, or the discharge is purulent. In viral colds, children may have a fever but generally remain in good spirits, and their spirits return to normal after the fever subsides. In contrast, with bacterial colds, children experience fluctuating high temperatures, poor spirits after the fever subsides, and may show symptoms such as chills and cold hands and feet. Viral colds typically present more nasal discharge than throat symptoms; when the tonsils are inflamed, they appear smooth and bright red, whereas in bacterial colds, the inflamed tonsils are uneven, dull, and sometimes with visible pus spots.