Can a baby eat pumpkin when they have a cold?

Written by Feng Hai Tao
Pediatrics
Updated on October 20, 2024
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Babies can definitely eat pumpkin during a cold, but here are a few things to note. First, adopt the method of eating small meals frequently to avoid overfeeding and overeating, which can lead to digestion problems or symptoms like diarrhea in babies. Second, pumpkin is rich in vitamins and carotene, it's visually appealing and tastes sweet. It can be used in various ways to nourish the baby, such as cooking it into porridge, blending it with rice or millet into a paste, or making pumpkin cakes. These methods not only enhance the baby’s appetite but also help in providing vitamins, energy, and aid in digestion and bowel movements. Third, during a cold, appropriately adding some tasty or favourite foods for the baby can help speed up the recovery from the illness.

Other Voices

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Sore throat without cold symptoms

If it is just a simple sore throat without any other cold symptoms, it could possibly be due to an early stage cold, acute pharyngitis, acute laryngitis, acute tonsillitis, or acute epiglottitis. Some patients may also experience neurogenic pain in the throat area. Overall, there are many possible causes, and it's hard to determine based solely on symptoms. Therefore, it is recommended to visit an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist, who can perform an indirect laryngoscopy or a fiber optic laryngoscopy to clearly observe the specific condition and location of the disease within the throat. Additionally, a complete blood count test can be helpful in determining whether there is an acute bacterial or viral infection causing inflammation. If there is an acute infection causing inflammation, antibiotic treatment may be considered, along with regular follow-ups.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How to get over a cold quickly?

The common cold is one of the most frequent infectious diseases seen in clinical practice and is also a self-limiting illness. It is often caused by factors such as exposure to cold, staying up late, stress, and lack of sleep, which lead to decreased immunity. Consequently, viruses or the influenza virus may take advantage and infect the body, causing symptoms of the common cold. To treat a cold, one should first drink plenty of warm water and measure their temperature twice daily. The main principle of treatment is symptomatic treatment and antiviral management. One may choose to take Ribavirin or Qingkailing for antiviral treatment. If symptoms like fever and runny nose are present, one can opt for antipyretic analgesics and drugs that reduce glandular secretions. Concurrently, include more vitamin C-rich foods in the diet. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zou Zhong Lan
Pulmonology
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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.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Can a baby swim with a cold?

When a baby has a cold, their physical condition is not at its best, which means their physical ability will definitely decline. Under such circumstances, we do not recommend that the baby goes swimming. Swimming can increase physical exertion in the water, and sometimes the water temperature is not properly controlled, which could potentially increase the baby's burden. Especially when there is significant physical exhaustion, and if the water temperature is not well controlled, it may worsen the baby's cold symptoms. Therefore, we advise against swimming in this situation, but you can still give the baby a warm bath. However, make sure the duration is not too long, and the external temperature must also be appropriately managed.

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Can you catch a cold during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a normal physiological state for women to nurture a fetus. During pregnancy, factors such as a decrease in immunity, catching a cold, or malnutrition can lead to viral infections, causing symptoms of a cold. Whether a pregnant woman catches a cold mainly depends on her physical constitution, that is, her immune and resistance capacities. Pregnant women with a cold should avoid the indiscriminate and excessive use of medications, especially antibiotics, antiviral drugs, and hormonal products. It is important to drink plenty of water, rest adequately, and if medication is necessary, it should be chosen under the guidance of a doctor. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)