Symptoms of a cold

Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
Updated on March 15, 2025
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If it's just a common cold, then the symptoms are relatively mild, consisting only of some sneezing, a runny nose, and nasal congestion. However, if bacterial or viral infections are involved, the symptoms become more severe. A common cold is self-limiting and usually resolves itself in about seven days without the need for medical intervention. If a viral infection is causing the cold, the onset of symptoms is typically sudden and may include fever, cough, expectoration, headache, body aches, and fatigue. It is also important to note that in such cases, treatment should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor and may involve taking medication. Physically cooling methods or fever-reducing drugs may be used to reduce fever. Bacterial infections can also cause symptoms like cough, expectoration, and fever, and it is advised to actively treat these symptoms appropriately.

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Patients with gastroenteritis can undergo moxibustion at acupoints such as Zusanli (ST36), Shenshu (BL23), Feishu (BL13), and Quchi (LI11) for effective improvement. However, it is crucial to perform moxibustion under the guidance of a qualified physician to achieve the therapeutic goals based on the individual's condition. Do not attempt to perform moxibustion on yourself blindly, as it may worsen the condition or cause other adverse reactions. Additionally, it is important to take medication promptly for gastroenteritis to achieve effective treatment. It is generally advisable to consume a light diet to avoid further burdening the digestive system.

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Why do you catch a cold during the Start of Autumn?

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What should a baby eat when they have a cold?

Firstly, the diet should be light, such as offering white rice porridge, mung bean porridge, and red bean porridge, all of which can be consumed. The main point is to consume easily digestible foods. At the same time, you can also eat some fruits, such as apples, bananas, dragon fruit, and watermelon, which are still acceptable to eat. You should avoid spicy, greasy, and irritating foods, as they are not conducive to the recovery of the condition.

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Can you drink tea when you have a cold?

It is not recommended to drink tea when having a cold; it is advised that patients drink more plain water instead. Patients also need to maintain a light diet and eat some fruits, and it’s recommended to avoid both tea and carbonated beverages, as well as alcohol. For conditions like the common cold, it is important to avoid staying up late and overexerting oneself. The common cold is usually self-limiting, meaning it will typically resolve on its own as the patient's immune system fights off the illness. However, if the symptoms of a cold are severe, it may be necessary to take medication for symptomatic treatment. It is also important to note that while the common cold is usually self-limiting and does not often lead to serious consequences, complications can sometimes arise. For example, it could lead to acute sinusitis or bacterial pneumonia. If a cold sufferer's symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to seek medical attention promptly for proper treatment.

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Can you take cold medicine if you have nephrotic syndrome and catch a cold?

People with nephrotic syndrome have particularly weak immune systems, making them especially prone to infections and colds. Once a cold occurs in someone with nephrotic syndrome, the patient often experiences headaches, whole-body muscle soreness, sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. In other words, patients with nephrotic syndrome feel very uncomfortable when they catch a cold. If kidney function is normal, it is still possible to take cold medicine. Of course, before using cold medicine, it is essential to follow the doctor's advice for medication treatment. Moreover, after catching a cold with nephrotic syndrome, in addition to taking medication, it is important to rest, consume fresh vegetables and fruits, drink plenty of water, and maintain a light diet. Additionally, it is important to rest, avoid overwork, and if there is a concurrent bacterial infection, sensitive antibiotics should be used for anti-infection treatment, to avoid the recurrence or aggravation of nephrotic syndrome due to infections or colds.