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

Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
Updated on October 19, 2024
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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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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Can I eat sea cucumber when I have a cold?

It is best not to eat sea cucumber during a cold, as it is considered a 'cold' food. Eating sea cucumber while having a cold can easily worsen the condition, and if there is an allergy to seafood, it may trigger an allergic reaction. During a cold, patients can eat some light fruits and vegetables, and it is generally not recommended to eat sea cucumber. During a cold, the body is relatively weak, and gastrointestinal function is not very good. Eating sea cucumber can lead to indigestion, which is not conducive to recovery from the cold. It is necessary to treat the cold with appropriate medication, and sea cucumber can be eaten after recovery.

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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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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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What should I do if the baby has a cold and is vomiting milk?

Baby colds accompanied by vomiting of milk indicate that the child has an upper respiratory infection along with gastrointestinal symptoms. A cold can cause poor digestion or stomach discomfort, which might lead to vomiting of milk. First, ensure the child's diet is light and easy to digest. For babies who are formula-fed, you can give them probiotics or gastric protease granules, which can help alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort and are also beneficial for reducing vomiting. Additionally, after each feeding, it's important to hold the baby upright and pat their back to burp them, then hold them a bit longer. When sleeping, place the baby in a right-side lying position with the head of the cot elevated at a 15-degree angle. By managing this way, the vomiting in most children can be alleviated. (Note: The answer is for reference only. For medication, please consult a doctor under the guidance of a professional physician, and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by An Yong Peng
Pulmonology
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Can I eat shrimp with a cold?

It is appropriate for cold sufferers to eat shrimp in moderation. For those with a cold, it is important to maintain a light diet and eat some fruits, avoiding spicy and greasy foods. However, they can consume protein-rich foods such as lean meat, fish, shrimp, and eggs. Additionally, cold sufferers should avoid alcohol, coffee, and strong tea. These dietary adjustments may help the patient's condition to recover on its own. However, it is important to note that although colds often have self-limiting characteristics, when symptoms are severe, it may be necessary to use cold medicines to alleviate symptoms. It is also important to be aware that a minority of patients may experience complications, so if cold symptoms persist, it is necessary to visit a hospital to avoid delaying treatment.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Can a cold cause dizziness?

Colds can cause symptoms such as dizziness, as well as possible runny nose, sneezing, dryness in the throat, foreign body sensation, sore and weak limbs, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms are common clinical manifestations caused by a cold. Therefore, there is no need to worry too much if dizziness occurs during a cold. Drinking plenty of water, resting, and observing can generally help. Choosing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relief medication can also alleviate the symptoms of dizziness. Eating foods rich in vitamin C, avoiding staying up late, and consuming a light, easy-to-digest diet can aid in the recovery from a cold.