Subscribe
Common cold
Which cold medicine is good?
Cold medicines cannot be compared as to which one is better or worse, as the therapeutic effect of each medicine varies from person to person due to individual differences. This means that even with the same cold and the same symptoms, if two people take the same medicine at the same time, one might find it very effective while the other might not notice significant results. Specific situations should consider the patient's constitution and specific symptoms, and choose medications under the guidance of a doctor. The principle of treating colds with medication is to treat the symptoms appropriately, and it can also be combined with antiviral drugs to kill the virus in the body, along with drinking plenty of water and resting.
Can you eat chicken when you have a cold?
During the onset of a cold, it is not advisable to eat chicken as it might increase the burden on the stomach and intestines. This is due to the decreased digestive function during a cold, which may lead to symptoms of indigestion. Therefore, it is recommended to consume light, warm, and easily digestible food, drink plenty of water, and facilitate excretion during the illness phase. Eating less at this time won’t do harm. In the recovery phase, nutrition can be enhanced by introducing foods rich in high-quality protein and vitamins, including chicken, which helps in replenishing nutrients and strengthens the body to facilitate a faster recovery from the illness.
Can the same medicine be taken for a cold from heat and a cold from cold?
The common cold is a very common upper respiratory tract infection. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, patients are usually classified into hot-type colds and cold-type colds. Hot-type colds generally occur in the summer, while cold-type colds are more often caused by accidentally catching cold in the winter. For such patients, Western medicine may not show a clear distinction in symptoms and tends to be somewhat generic in medication use. However, in traditional Chinese medicine, distinguishing between cold and hot colds is very important in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. Therefore, when choosing medication treatment, Western drugs often do not differentiate much between hot and cold colds, while Chinese medicine treatments for colds vary significantly. For example, the most common cold treatment, Chai Hu formula, is divided into Chai Hu formula and proper Chai Hu formula. The Chai Hu formula is used for treating hot-type colds, while the proper Chai Hu formula is used for some cold-type colds. Thus, in clinical practice, some medications can treat both hot and cold colds, but some cannot.
Does common cold cause dry cough?
In clinical practice, ailments like the common cold, also known as upper respiratory infections, generally occur in patients due to reduced immune function, exposure to cold, or contraction of wind-cold, causing various symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, fever, dry and itchy throat, coughing, and pain. Therefore, as with the previous infection, most clinical cases are caused by viral infections. So, when patients suffer from upper respiratory infections, they often experience varying degrees of dry cough, which is very common. Typically, identifying the specific infecting pathogen causing the common cold and providing symptomatic treatment can lead to a full recovery within about a week. For severe dry cough symptoms, appropriate cough suppressant medications can be used for symptomatic treatment.
How to clear a stuffy nose from a cold?
If the symptoms of nasal congestion due to a cold are mild, you can use a hot compress, such as applying a hot towel to the forehead or nose to relieve the congestion. Massaging the temples can also relieve nasal congestion and alleviate cold symptoms. If the nasal congestion from a cold is severe, you can take some cold medicines to alleviate the symptoms. You can also apply a nasal strip at the base of the nose to quickly relieve congestion. Another quick method to clear the airways is to use the steam from hot water to fumigate the nasal passages, which can effectively relieve nasal congestion. During a cold, it is also beneficial to drink more carrot water.
Can pregnant women eat eggs when they have a cold?
When pregnant women catch a cold, it is acceptable to eat eggs; having a cold does not mean one must avoid eggs. However, due to the weakened gastrointestinal function in women during a cold, it is important to consume light foods and those that are easy to digest and absorb, such as fresh vegetables and fruits. Eggs are relatively easy to digest and are high in protein. Eating eggs during pregnancy, especially when sick, can help enhance the body's resistance. Additionally, it is important to drink plenty of water, rest, and consume fruits rich in Vitamin C or drink fresh fruit juices to supplement Vitamin C and boost the body's resistance. Generally, a cold is self-limiting and should resolve on its own within about a week.
How to treat a cold with nasal congestion and dry cough?
The common cold is a very common inflammatory condition clinically, generally caused by viral infections, hence, the treatment for such patients usually needs to focus on antiviral medications. Most viral colds cause varying degrees of nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and even dry cough and itchy throat among other clinical symptoms. For such patients, treatment begins by identifying the specific pathogens causing the cold. If it is a virus, timely administration of heat-clearing and detoxifying medications is necessary, along with the appropriate use of traditional Chinese medicine to alleviate symptoms like nasal congestion and runny nose. For symptoms such as nasal congestion and dry cough, appropriate use of cough suppressant medications or nebulized inhalation may be chosen to provide symptomatic relief, with treatment effects generally being ideal around three days.
Quick relief for sore throat due to cold
We know that the common cold is caused by a viral infection, and currently, there are no specifically effective drugs for treatment. After experiencing a cold and sore throat, the following measures can help alleviate symptoms quickly. First, it is important to rest, avoid getting chilled, drink plenty of water, and eat light meals. Avoid spicy and irritating foods, and refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol, as these are beneficial for recovery. Secondly, medications can be used to reduce symptoms. For example, compound cold medicines, antipyretic analgesics, and some traditional Chinese medicine lozenges or patent medicines can be used to relieve symptoms.
Precautions for Wind-Heat Colds
For individuals with wind-heat colds, it is important to avoid consuming overly hot or overly spicy foods, as well as overly cold foods. Care should also be taken not to overheat oneself; do not cover oneself with blankets to induce sweating, as this can exacerbate the condition. It is recommended that those suffering from wind-heat colds drink more plain water to help regulate the body, or consume honey water regularly, which can also effectively aid in regulation. Additionally, it is crucial to avoid eating overly hard foods, refrain from staying up late, and ensure ample sleep to aid in faster recovery and improvement.
Symptoms of a cold in a baby over 40 days old
The symptoms of a cold in a baby over 40 days old are definitely different from those in adults. Parents should observe whether the baby's behavior has changed. For example, if the baby becomes noticeably fussy or irritable, especially while sleeping, or if the baby has nasal congestion, a runny nose, or sneezing, these could be signs. Also, if the baby drools bubbles at the corners of the mouth while sleeping quietly, breathes noticeably faster, vomits milk after feeding more frequently than usual, or if there is an increase in the frequency and looseness of stools and bloating, these may indicate a cold. If cold symptoms appear, please seek medical attention promptly, as babies have weaker immune systems and their conditions can progress quickly. Without timely intervention, it is easy for the condition to develop into pneumonia.