Changes in cold symptoms

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on March 20, 2025
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The symptoms and changes of a cold are primarily determined by the infecting virus. Clinically, it is mainly divided into the common cold and influenza. The common cold is mainly caused by infections of rhinovirus, adenovirus, and pharyngovirus, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, and sore throat. The other type of cold refers to influenza, which is caused by influenza virus or parainfluenza virus infections, primarily manifested by muscle soreness in the limbs, fatigue, sore throat, and compared to the common cold, the ear, nose, and throat symptoms are relatively mild.

Other Voices

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Is vomiting a symptom of a cold caused by wind-cold or wind-heat?

In cases of vomiting, whether it is due to a cold caused by wind-cold or wind-heat, both can lead to the occurrence of vomiting. Therefore, vomiting alone cannot be used to determine the specific type of cold causing it. It still requires the identification through other symptoms. For example, a wind-cold is mainly caused by exposure to cold, while wind-heat is due to excessive heat turning into fire. There are also differences in the treatment of the two, and they cannot be treated in the same way. For a wind-cold, treatment mainly involves warm-natured medicines, while for wind-heat, cool-natured medicines are primarily used.

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Written by Liu Yong
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Does wind-heat cold cause nasal congestion?

Wind-heat colds can lead to nasal congestion, yellow nasal discharge, and dizziness, making it quite uncomfortable. The main symptoms of wind-heat cold include sore throat, yellow phlegm, yellow urine, dry stools, sweating, coughing, and fever. For nasal congestion, it is important to treat it promptly as symptoms will improve as the condition gets better. When congestion is severe, applying a hot towel to the nasal area can help alleviate discomfort. It is also advisable to drink plenty of water, ventilate indoor areas by opening windows, eat a light diet, and consume fresh fruits and vegetables.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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Can you drink alcohol when you have a cold and a headache?

When suffering from a cold and headache, it is not advisable to drink alcohol, as it can exacerbate the symptoms of the cold and possibly worsen the headache. This is because alcohol can stimulate the blood vessels, causing the brain's blood vessels to dilate and intensify the headache. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcohol during a cold. Additionally, during a cold, you might take some anti-cold medications, some of which may contain anti-inflammatory components, making it even more important not to drink alcohol if you have a headache. When experiencing a cold with headache, it is important to rest and avoid overexertion. If the headache is particularly severe, pain relief medication such as Yuanhu pain relief tablets or aspirin may be taken. Remember to keep warm, avoid getting chilled, drink plenty of water to facilitate excretion, and lying down to rest can help alleviate symptoms. (Please follow doctor's instructions regarding specific medication use.)

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Can I eat lamb when I have a cold?

When you have a cold, you should not eat mutton as it is considered a "hot" food, which can aggravate the condition and lead to secondary infections. This type of food is considered an unfavorable stimulus for recovery from a cold. In terms of diet, it is advisable to eat lighter, softer foods rich in vitamins and high in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables. You should consume more celery, spinach, mung bean sprouts, tomatoes, carrots, avocados, dragon fruit, mangoes, and kiwis. Also, drink plenty of water, avoid staying up late, and avoid excessive stress.

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Written by Wu Ben Rong
Pediatrics
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How many days does a child's stomach flu self-heal?

Gastroenteritis in children is usually caused by viral infections, which are self-limiting diseases. The course of the disease generally lasts about 5-7 days, so most children can gradually recover within this period. Gastroenteritis is relatively common in pediatrics. Its symptoms are somewhat similar to those of upper respiratory tract infections, including mild coughing, fever, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms. Most children with gastroenteritis will experience gastrointestinal symptoms for about two to three days, which then gradually alleviate. In the later stages of the disease, recurring low-grade fevers often occur, and mild coughing symptoms may also appear. After the course of the disease, the aforementioned symptoms can improve, so parents need not worry too much. If the child's diarrhea is severe, it is important to ensure hydration to avoid dehydration.