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Common cold
Types and Symptoms of Common Cold
From the perspective of Western medicine, there are primarily two types of colds: the common cold and influenza. The symptoms of the common cold are different and mainly include nasal congestion, runny nose, dry and sore throat, tearing, sneezing, and other symptoms. In contrast, influenza mainly manifests as weakness in the limbs, muscle soreness, and some may experience fixed joint swelling and pain. It can also cause complications such as nausea and vomiting, mainly due to infections caused by different pathogens, thus the symptoms vary.
The difference between bacterial cold and viral cold
The primary differences between bacterial colds and viral colds are as follows: Firstly, their pathogens are different. Bacterial colds are caused by bacterial infections, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus, which can lead to bacterial colds. Viral colds are caused by viral infections, including rhinovirus, adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus. Secondly, their clinical symptoms also differ. Bacterial colds may present with high fever, coughing, and purulent sputum. In contrast, viral colds rarely involve a high fever, and typically include symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and coughing up white mucus. Thirdly, their treatment methods differ. Bacterial colds generally require anti-inflammatory medications, while viral colds are often treated with antiviral medications.
What should a baby eat when they have a cold?
Most colds in children are caused by viral infections. During a cold, it is normal to take oral cold medications and antiviral drugs. Additionally, we should consider the specific condition of the child's cold. For simple symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose, just taking cold medications and antivirals should suffice. However, if the child has other symptoms such as gastrointestinal nausea and vomiting, it may be necessary to also use digestive aids to adjust the stomach and intestines. If the cold is accompanied by fever, with temperatures exceeding 38.5 degrees Celsius, antipyretics are also needed for treatment. Besides medication, it is important to maintain a light and reasonable diet and ensure proper rest during a cold. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)
What kind of cold is it when you have a sore throat?
Sore throat leading to colds in patients is most commonly caused by viral infections due to staying up late, fatigue, and decreased resistance. Common viruses include rhinovirus, influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, and Coxsackie virus. When patients experience a sore throat, symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, fever, and nasal itchiness often accompany it. Diagnosis can be confirmed through tests such as routine blood tests, electronic nasendoscopy, and C-reactive protein tests. Under the guidance of a specialist, antiviral medications are used for symptomatic treatment. Patients in competitions may use medications that clear the orifices to improve symptoms. It is important to stay warm, avoid getting cold, and enhance one's immune system.
How to get better from a cold caused by excessive internal heat?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, a cold due to "internal heat" is considered to be caused by a decrease in the body's resistance and exposure to wind-heat. At this time, it is appropriate to take some mildly cool, exterior-releasing medicines to regulate the condition. If at home, one can choose to use Banlangen granules, or make a soup with pears, or drink water boiled with white radish. These can significantly improve the symptoms of a cold due to internal heat. It is also advisable to drink more hot porridge to induce a slight sweat, which can help treat the condition. (Note: Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)
What causes a cold to lead to stomach ache?
A cold, also known as an upper respiratory tract infection, often occurs in individuals with weakened immune systems who are exposed to the cold. Symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. The common causes of a cold are viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens entering the respiratory tract. If a patient with a cold also experiences stomach pain, it may be due to exposure to cold while having a pre-existing chronic gastritis. This can occur from not wearing adequate clothing or from consuming cold foods such as ice cream and other frozen desserts, causing simultaneous occurrences of a cold and stomach pain. This is quite common. Therefore, for cold patients who already suffer from stomach issues, it is important to be cautious and aware, especially when taking oral medications to treat a cold. Many medications can irritate the stomach, so even in cases of simple upper respiratory tract infections, it is generally better to choose medications that are less irritating to the stomach for treatment.
How to distinguish between bacterial cold and viral cold?
Viral colds primarily affect the nasal area, with severe runny nose that is mostly clear and lacks pus-like discharge. When coughing, there is little phlegm. Symptoms of bacterial colds mainly occur in the tonsils and throat, showing redness and swelling of the throat, enlarged tonsils, and throat pain. The nasal discharge is generally thick, and the cough brings up thick phlegm. Viral colds do not show any abnormalities in routine blood tests, whereas bacterial colds often display an increase in white blood cells.
How to reduce fever from a stomach flu?
Generally, physical cooling methods such as wiping with alcohol or applying ice packs to areas with large arteries like the armpits, groin, or neck can be used to dissipate heat, but it is important to prevent frostbite. Secondly, you can drink herbal teas that clear heat, such as chrysanthemum tea or honeysuckle tea. Massages can also help reduce fever, focusing on acupoints like Quchi (LI 11), Hegu (LI 4), Dazhui (GV 14), and Yongquan (KI 1). Additionally, antipyretic and analgesic medications can be taken to help reduce fever. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)
What should pregnant women not eat when they have a cold?
During pregnancy, due to the general decline in the physical condition of pregnant women, it is easy to catch a cold. At this time, relief can be provided through daily care. However, in daily life, there are some foods that should be avoided. First, crabs should not be eaten, as eating crabs during pregnancy can potentially cause miscarriage, due to their effect of invigorating blood circulation and resolving stasis. Additionally, chives should not be eaten when having a cold, as although chives have a moistening effect on the intestines, eating too many can also easily cause uterine contractions leading to miscarriage. Also, spicy and stimulating foods, such as chili peppers, black pepper, onions, and ginger, should be avoided as they can exacerbate gastrointestinal disorder. Instead, it is important to drink plenty of water, ensure adequate sleep, and strengthen personal hygiene care.
What to drink for a cold with fever?
For heat colds, one should initially drink more mung bean soup, which can act as a heat reliever. Medications like Huoxiang Zhengqi Water can also be taken to alleviate discomfort. Avoid long-term exposure to high temperatures in work and life, and ensure indoor air is well-ventilated and disinfected. Appropriate consumption of green tea, jasmine tea, etc., can also assist in the treatment of heat colds. At the same time, measure body temperature and treat symptoms accordingly based on clinical signs. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.)