The difference between rhinitis and the common cold.

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on January 26, 2025
00:00
00:00

There are certain differences between rhinitis and the common cold, mainly in the following aspects: Firstly, it is important to know that acute rhinitis refers to the common cold, as written in medical textbooks. However, some types of rhinitis are different, such as chronic rhinitis which is a chronic disease, not an acute illness like the common cold. Allergic rhinitis also includes symptoms such as sneezing, clear nasal discharge, and nasal congestion, very similar to those of a cold, but allergic rhinitis is an allergic disease, not a viral infection like the common cold. There are also other diseases, such as atrophic rhinitis, where the nasal cavity is very wide, whereas in a cold, caused by a viral infection, the nasal passages are very narrow, and these conditions are very different. Therefore, clinically, treatment should be based on different causes, treating colds as colds and rhinitis as rhinitis.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
35sec home-news-image

What is lung-heat cold?

For those experiencing a cold due to lung heat, the main symptoms include excessive phlegm, sore throat, and a runny nose. It is essential to address this condition promptly. Improvements can be made through dietary changes, such as consuming foods that reduce lung heat. It is best to take treatment medication promptly for effective relief and improvement. Additionally, it is crucial to avoid excessive fatigue and refrain from consuming too cold or irritating foods. A lighter diet, including more celery and tomatoes, is recommended.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Guo Xiao Yun
Pulmonology
1min 4sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by An Yong Peng
Pulmonology
50sec home-news-image

What should I do if I have a cold and a sore throat?

In cases of colds with sore throats, appropriate measures should be taken based on the specific condition. A cold with a sore throat may be caused by a viral infection. For viral colds, there are usually no specific treatments, and symptomatic pain relief treatment is often needed, along with adequate hydration and proper intake of fruits and other related measures. Additionally, a sore throat from a cold could also be a bacterial infection, such as acute purulent tonsillitis, which is a type of bacterial cold. Patients with acute purulent tonsillitis often experience significant throat pain, swollen tonsils with purulent secretions on the surface, and may also have a fever. For acute purulent tonsillitis, not only is symptomatic treatment necessary, but also the use of sensitive antibiotics is required.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
48sec home-news-image

How to deal with cold chills and fever?

Symptoms of a cold such as chills and fever are manifestations of chills and high fever. During this period, one should first measure the body temperature, drink plenty of water, and promptly take appropriate fever-reducing measures depending on the severity of the fever to prevent febrile convulsions. Generally, the body temperature is measured again two hours after fever reduction through physical cooling or medication. Once the body sweats, the body temperature will return to normal, and the symptoms of chills will gradually ease. If the body temperature exceeds 38.5 degrees Celsius, medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be taken. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
31sec home-news-image

How to reduce a fever when having a cold and headache

Symptoms of a cold such as headache and fever can be treated by applying a cool towel or ice pack to the forehead, or by taking antipyretic analgesic drugs to alleviate the fever. Options include acetaminophen, naproxen, or sodium diclofenac, all of which effectively ease symptoms caused by a cold like headaches and fever. Additionally, drinking more ginger sugar water and using warm water or alcohol to wipe down the palms, soles, neck, and chest can help reduce fever physically.