Types and Symptoms of Common Cold

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on November 03, 2024
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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.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How to relieve a cold headache without medicine

Firstly, you should drink more water to promote metabolism and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits to help restore bodily functions. Avoid eating spicy food such as chili peppers and reduce meat consumption. Measure body temperature, you can massage the temples, or drink more ginger sugar water, which can help relieve headaches. If the body temperature rises, you can use warm water to wipe the palms, soles of the feet, neck, and chest. At the same time, apply a cool towel or ice pack to the forehead. Once the temperature normalizes, the symptoms of cold and headache will gradually improve; there is no need to worry too much.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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Which one causes body aches, bacterial cold or viral cold?

Bacterial colds and viral colds are named after the different microorganisms that cause the symptoms of colds. The upper respiratory tract includes the nose, pharynx, and larynx. Usually, when the body's resistance decreases or one is overly fatigued, it is very easy to be infected by external pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. However, when bacteria infect the human body, most of the symptoms are mainly concentrated in the nasopharyngeal area and do not spread throughout the body. On the other hand, viral colds are different. After infecting the human body, in addition to causing respiratory symptoms, viral colds also cause general discomfort throughout the body, such as headaches, limb weakness, muscle soreness, joint pain, and can even lead to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. Thus, viral colds produce more severe whole-body symptoms.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Yellow nasal discharge is what kind of cold?

Yellow nasal discharge is not a symptom of a cold. A cold, also known as an upper respiratory tract infection, typically presents with clear nasal discharge, indicating a viral infection. The appearance of yellow nasal discharge could suggest two possibilities: it could either be a symptom of sinusitis or it could indicate a secondary bacterial infection following a cold, especially in the later stages of a cold, manifesting symptoms similar to sinusitis. Therefore, yellow or yellow-purulent nasal discharge is definitively not a cold; it might be a symptom of sinusitis occurring late in the course of a cold or as the cold is resolving. In conclusion, yellow nasal discharge is not indicative of a cold.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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How to treat colds and flu

Wind-cold common cold is often caused by the invasion of pathogenic wind-cold. Sometimes it can also occur due to fatigue, coupled with exposure to wind and chill, and it usually happens more often in autumn and winter. In fact, it may sometimes be accompanied by body aches, runny nose, nasal congestion, and cough with phlegm. If not treated timely, it might lead to infections such as acute sinusitis. If the condition is severe, it is best to visit a hospital for face-to-face consultation with a doctor for timely treatment to avoid delaying the illness. It is important to rest regularly, engage in more physical activities to boost the immune system, and get some sunlight to also enhance immunity. Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, consuming less greasy and fried foods, abstaining from smoking and alcohol, and developing good dietary habits can effectively prevent such conditions.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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How to care for a baby with a cold in the summer

If a baby catches a cold in the summer, it is essential to take care of them by avoiding cross-infection. Additionally, pay attention to how the baby is dressed. If someone in the house has a cold, they should minimize contact with the baby and avoid sneezing, coughing, or kissing the baby to prevent cross-infection. Dressing the baby should be moderate during a summer cold; it's not about wearing more layers. The clothing should make sure the baby’s neck or chest and abdomen are warm without causing sweating. Keep the baby away from crowded places and, if possible, have them stay at home. If air conditioning is used, ensure to ventilate the room by opening windows 1-2 times a day, and keep the baby away from direct drafts. If the baby experiences nasal congestion or tends to choke while feeding due to the cold, it is crucial to avoid lying them down flat immediately after feeding. Instead, hold the baby upright or slightly elevate their head to prevent choking and worsening of the condition.