What should you pay attention to when you have a cold with nasal congestion?

Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
Updated on December 22, 2024
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A cold, also known as an upper respiratory tract infection, typically manifests different clinical symptoms depending on its triggering factors. Generally, most patients with a cold exhibit symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing due to a viral infection. Therefore, for such patients, personal hygiene is crucial. Additionally, it is important to ventilate rooms by opening windows and to avoid public places as much as possible to prevent spreading the infection to others with weaker immune systems. These cold sufferers are also advised to avoid spicy and irritating foods. Drinking plenty of water daily and consuming fresh vegetables and fruits high in vitamins is recommended. Consumables like apples, pears, water chestnuts, grapes, and kiwis, which are rich in vitamins and nutrients, should be eaten regularly to help enhance the immune function of these patients.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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Do you need to take medicine for a cold with nasal congestion?

Nasal congestion due to a cold is very common in clinical practice. The need for medication depends on the type of cold and the patient's own immune function. If the patient has a cold caused by a viral infection and the symptoms are not severe, or if the patient generally likes to exercise and is young, a mild cold may not require medication and can heal on its own within about a week. For children or elderly individuals with weaker resistance, when an upper respiratory infection occurs, it is advisable to administer some medication for symptomatic treatment to prevent the condition from worsening and to avoid unnecessary complications.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Yellow nasal discharge is what kind of cold?

Yellow nasal discharge is not a symptom of a cold. A cold, also known as an upper respiratory tract infection, typically presents with clear nasal discharge, indicating a viral infection. The appearance of yellow nasal discharge could suggest two possibilities: it could either be a symptom of sinusitis or it could indicate a secondary bacterial infection following a cold, especially in the later stages of a cold, manifesting symptoms similar to sinusitis. Therefore, yellow or yellow-purulent nasal discharge is definitively not a cold; it might be a symptom of sinusitis occurring late in the course of a cold or as the cold is resolving. In conclusion, yellow nasal discharge is not indicative of a cold.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What to drink for a cold with fever?

For heat colds, one should initially drink more mung bean soup, which can act as a heat reliever. Medications like Huoxiang Zhengqi Water can also be taken to alleviate discomfort. Avoid long-term exposure to high temperatures in work and life, and ensure indoor air is well-ventilated and disinfected. Appropriate consumption of green tea, jasmine tea, etc., can also assist in the treatment of heat colds. At the same time, measure body temperature and treat symptoms accordingly based on clinical signs. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Quick relief for sore throat due to cold

We know that the common cold is caused by a viral infection, and currently, there are no specifically effective drugs for treatment. After experiencing a cold and sore throat, the following measures can help alleviate symptoms quickly. First, it is important to rest, avoid getting chilled, drink plenty of water, and eat light meals. Avoid spicy and irritating foods, and refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol, as these are beneficial for recovery. Secondly, medications can be used to reduce symptoms. For example, compound cold medicines, antipyretic analgesics, and some traditional Chinese medicine lozenges or patent medicines can be used to relieve symptoms.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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The difference between influenza and the common cold

Influenza, or the flu, is an epidemic caused by the influenza virus, often characterized by severe systemic symptoms such as chills, high fever, and body aches. However, the symptoms related to the nasal pharynx are relatively mild, such as light sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. The common cold, often referred to as a cold or rhinitis, is also caused by viral infection and can be caused by various viruses such as rhinovirus, coronavirus, adenovirus, influenza virus, and parainfluenza virus. The general systemic symptoms of the common cold are relatively mild, such as fever, headache, and chills. Symptoms related to the ears, nose, and throat are more pronounced, including distinct sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and throat discomfort.