How to Treat a Child's Cold in the Early Stages

Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
Updated on January 03, 2025
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Children's colds are mostly viral infections and are self-limiting, which means they can resolve on their own. Therefore, no special treatment is needed in the early stages of a child's cold, but it is important for the child to drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest. If an adult at home has a cold, avoid contact with the child and ensure good ventilation; windows should be opened daily for air circulation. Additionally, feed the child light, easily digestible foods. If the child experiences significant nasal congestion or runny nose causing discomfort, child-specific cold granules or physiological saline nasal wash can be used to relieve the symptoms of the cold. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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What fruits to eat when having a cold?

When you have a cold, you can eat some fruits, such as neutral fruits like peaches, grapes, kiwis, strawberries, and bananas. It is also advised that you eat a reasonable amount of vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins; vegetables such as cucumbers, loofah, small spinach, and lettuce are suitable too. It is also recommended to drink more water to enhance metabolism, improve your immunity, and meet the body's demands for various nutrients through the rich nutritional content in fruits. This helps strengthen the body and speed up recovery from illness. It is also suggested to exercise moderately to enhance physical fitness and immunity, thereby aiding faster recovery from illness. Furthermore, avoid staying up late, assure adequate sleep to enhance immunity.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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People who catch colds easily lack what?

If you find yourself catching colds easily, it usually indicates that your immune system is weak. This could be due to a deficiency in trace elements such as vitamins, calcium, or zinc. It is advisable to get these trace elements tested at a hospital and then supplement accordingly. In daily life, you can also consume foods high in protein, calcium, and vitamin C. For example, you might include eggs, milk, or lean meats in your diet, and it is important to eat fresh fruits and vegetables to boost your vitamin C intake and enhance your resistance to illnesses. Additionally, it is recommended to exercise regularly to strengthen your physique. Exercising also increases metabolism and promotes excretion, which can further enhance your immune system.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Do you get a fever with a stomach flu?

Many patients with gastrointestinal flu will experience fever because the cause of gastroenteritis is also viral infection. Gastrointestinal flu often has symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection and acute gastroenteritis, so it is common to experience fever. The symptoms often include fever, cold stomach, dizziness, headache, fatigue, soreness, as well as vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. It is not surprising that these symptoms include fever. It is recommended to drink more boiled water, take cold medicine as appropriate, and if vomiting or diarrhea is severe, anti-diarrheal medicine can be taken to relieve it. At the same time, pay attention to a light and easily digestible diet.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is nasal congestion the same as having a cold?

Nasal congestion is not necessarily a cold. Cold medicine has many symptoms, with nasal congestion being one of them. However, there could be more reasons for nasal congestion. A cold is just one factor causing nasal congestion. Other reasons might include chronic rhinitis, acute rhinitis, sinusitis, deviated nasal septum, and nasal polyps. Often, these conditions are primarily due to pathological changes in the nose itself. Therefore, it is recommended to visit an otolaryngology clinic, particularly for persistent nasal congestion, and consider undergoing a nasopharyngoscopy. If needed, a sinus CT may also be considered, along with symptom assessment and additional diagnostic tests, to make a more comprehensive and accurate evaluation.

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Can I eat beef when I have a cold?

If you have a cold and are in the initial stage of the illness, it is best not to eat beef. However, during the recovery phase, it is appropriate to consume some beef. As beef is a warming and nourishing food rich in protein, trace elements, and other nutrients, it can fulfill the body's various nutritional needs. Eating beef can enhance one’s resistance and aid in quicker recovery from the illness. It is also recommended to eat beef in moderation and not consume too much at once, as excessive intake can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and potentially burden the digestive system, causing symptoms of indigestion. It is advisable to drink appropriate amounts of water to boost metabolism and improve resistance. Additionally, during a cold, it is important to rest adequately, avoid overexertion, and maintain a light diet.