What is a cold?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on February 04, 2025
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Colds are classified as a type of disease, and clinically, they are mainly divided into common colds and influenza. They are among the most common respiratory infectious diseases in daily life, caused by viral infections. The common cold is mainly caused by rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, and other viruses, while influenza is mostly caused by influenza viruses or parainfluenza viruses and other pathogens. Symptoms include drowsiness, fatigue, fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. The main treatments include drinking plenty of water, antiviral therapy, and symptomatic treatment.

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Written by Liu Li
Pediatrics
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The difference between a baby's hot cold and cold cold

There are significant differences between a "hot cold" and a "cold cold" in nature. A hot cold is generally caused by significant temperature differences between indoor and outdoor environments, and is common in summer. If it occurs, it can cause symptoms such as dry mouth, reduced urine output, and dizziness. A cold cold is usually caused by catching a chill, and is most prevalent during the spring and fall seasons. Symptoms of a cold cold include a runny nose, nasal congestion, and others.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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There are several types of common cold.

Traditional Chinese medicine classifies the common cold based on the different external pathogenic factors a patient encounters, which can be categorized into cold-induced common cold and heat-induced common cold. A cold-induced common cold occurs when a patient is invaded by cold pathogens, while a heat-induced common cold is when a cold is contracted after exposure to external heat pathogens. In modern medicine, also known as Western medicine, the common cold is further classified into the ordinary common cold, primarily caused by viruses, bacteria, and mycoplasma infections, and the epidemic influenza, mainly caused by the influenza virus. Generally speaking, both Chinese and Western medicine employ different treatment methods and medications specific to the pathogens involved in the cold, and both approaches can be very effective in treating the condition.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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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.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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How long will it take to recover from a cold and cough?

After a cold, symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion often occur, as well as discomfort in the throat and coughing. So, how long does a cold cough last? Generally, the natural course of a cold is about one week. Therefore, from this perspective, a cold-related cough can get better in about a week. However, it is important to rest, avoid getting chilled, drink plenty of water, eat a light diet, quit smoking, and ensure the room is well-ventilated to aid recovery.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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What to eat when you have a cold and cough?

If you have a cold and cough, it is advisable to eat a light diet and consider taking some cough suppressant medicine to relieve the symptoms. Additionally, one can eat fresh fruits and vegetables like pears, loquats, grapefruits, and watermelons, which help clear heat and detoxify the body, reducing internal heat. Both pears and loquats additionally help moisten the lungs and relieve coughs and dissolve phlegm. It is also recommended to drink some honey water, which can moisten the lungs and relieve dryness. It is important to avoid spicy, greasy, raw, and irritating foods. You can also drink some porridge, eat soft noodles or small green vegetables, soy milk, and tofu. Thus, it is recommended to pay attention to diet for managing and effectively treating cold and cough symptoms.