Is a cold with green nasal discharge serious?

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on December 08, 2024
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Having a cold accompanied by green purulent nasal discharge is a common and frequent symptom in otolaryngology. The cause of these symptoms is primarily fungal sinusitis caused by a fungal infection in the patient. When these symptoms occur, it is important to first complete a paranasal sinus CT, electronic nasopharyngoscope, complete blood count, and nasal secretion culture to identify the pathogen causing the patient's illness and make a clear diagnosis. Additionally, timely use of antiviral drugs and medications that clear the throat and open the nasal passages should be administered for symptomatic treatment. For patients with sinus ostium blockage and fungal sinusitis, functional endoscopic sinus surgery is also needed to open the sinus ostium, restore normal drainage between the sinus and the nasal cavity, and thus achieve a cure for the patient's condition.

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How to relieve a cold with headache and nausea

Colds accompanied by headache and nausea that prompts a feeling of wanting to vomit can be symptoms caused by a gastrointestinal type of cold, leading to dizziness, headache, nausea, and other discomforts. At this time, one can take some anti-cold medications combined with medications that aid digestion and alleviate symptoms. It is also necessary to take medicines that regulate the stomach and intestines for treatment. Make sure to eat smaller meals more frequently and not to eat too much at one time. Additionally, under the guidance of a doctor, one can take some antiemetic drugs to relieve nausea and the urge to vomit. It's beneficial to consume more liquid or soft foods, such as millet porridge, soft noodles, or vegetable soup. Moreover, it's important to eat slowly and chew thoroughly to fully digest the food and avoid overburdening the intestines and causing symptoms of indigestion.

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How to treat a cold with nasal congestion and dry cough?

The common cold is a very common inflammatory condition clinically, generally caused by viral infections, hence, the treatment for such patients usually needs to focus on antiviral medications. Most viral colds cause varying degrees of nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and even dry cough and itchy throat among other clinical symptoms. For such patients, treatment begins by identifying the specific pathogens causing the cold. If it is a virus, timely administration of heat-clearing and detoxifying medications is necessary, along with the appropriate use of traditional Chinese medicine to alleviate symptoms like nasal congestion and runny nose. For symptoms such as nasal congestion and dry cough, appropriate use of cough suppressant medications or nebulized inhalation may be chosen to provide symptomatic relief, with treatment effects generally being ideal around three days.

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What should I do if I have a cold with headache and fever?

When experiencing symptoms of a cold such as headache and fever, one should first measure their body temperature and adopt corresponding treatment measures based on the severity of the fever. Fever can cause headaches, fatigue, body aches, and may even lead to complications like nausea and vomiting. If the body temperature does not exceed 38℃ (100.4°F), one can take vitamin supplements, drink ginger tea, and use physical methods to reduce fever. If the body temperature is above 38℃ (100.4°F), one may consider taking antipyretic and pain-relieving medications like ibuprofen or aspirin to alleviate symptoms. Generally, once the body temperature returns to normal, headache symptoms will gradually improve or disappear. (The use of medications should be based on specific conditions and under the guidance of a doctor.)

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What should I do if I have a cold and vomiting in the summer?

In summer, patients may catch a cold due to carelessness, especially when the body's immune function is compromised. Colds, varying in type, also differ in accompanying clinical symptoms. For instance, summer cold patients might experience not only fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing but also nausea and vomiting, suggesting the presence of a gastrointestinal-type cold. To address this, it is crucial first to identify the vomiting symptoms accompanying the cold. A gastrointestinal cold is mostly caused by viral infections, so it is necessary to administer antiviral and heat-clearing detoxifying medications promptly for symptomatic treatment. Once the symptoms of the upper respiratory tract are effectively controlled, the vomiting will similarly subside. Of course, patients with gastrointestinal colds must hydrate promptly and consume light, easily digestible, and nutritious food.

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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.