Can you drink alcohol when you have a cold?

Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
Updated on December 05, 2024
00:00
00:00

A cold, also commonly referred to as an upper respiratory tract infection, can be classified based on the type of infecting virus into common cold and influenza. Regardless of the type, patients typically experience various symptoms following the virus infection such as fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, coughing, and an itchy throat. For patients exhibiting these symptoms, it is generally recommended in clinical practice to drink plenty of water and avoid overly greasy foods. Certainly, consumption of alcohol and spicy foods like chili peppers should be avoided. Similarly, it is advised not to consume cold-natured foods during a cold, hence drinking alcohol is discouraged while sick.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
50sec home-news-image

What department should a pregnant woman visit if she has a cold?

During pregnancy, if a pregnant woman catches a cold, she should visit the hospital promptly. The departments she needs to consult include the following: Firstly, she needs to visit the obstetrics department. The purpose of visiting obstetrics is not to treat the cold, but to assess whether the fetus has been affected by the cold and to evaluate the safety of the medications used for treating the cold. Secondly, she should consult the department of respiratory medicine. A cold falls under the purview of respiratory diseases, and a respiratory doctor should be consulted to determine whether medication is necessary. If it is a mild cold, medication is generally not required. However, for a severe cold, medication to reduce fever or antiviral drugs may be used, but these must be discussed with the obstetrician before use.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by An Yong Peng
Pulmonology
1min home-news-image

Can you drink tea when you have a cold?

It is not recommended to drink tea when having a cold; it is advised that patients drink more plain water instead. Patients also need to maintain a light diet and eat some fruits, and it’s recommended to avoid both tea and carbonated beverages, as well as alcohol. For conditions like the common cold, it is important to avoid staying up late and overexerting oneself. The common cold is usually self-limiting, meaning it will typically resolve on its own as the patient's immune system fights off the illness. However, if the symptoms of a cold are severe, it may be necessary to take medication for symptomatic treatment. It is also important to note that while the common cold is usually self-limiting and does not often lead to serious consequences, complications can sometimes arise. For example, it could lead to acute sinusitis or bacterial pneumonia. If a cold sufferer's symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to seek medical attention promptly for proper treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
28sec home-news-image

Symptoms of a baby's cold

Generally speaking, common cold symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, some may have a cough, and others may have a fever. Generally, after most babies catch a cold, the symptoms are mainly respiratory. A small part may show symptoms of the digestive system, such as vomiting and diarrhea. There are also headaches, mental fatigue, lethargy, sleepiness, etc., so there are many symptoms of a cold.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
35sec home-news-image

How long does it take to recover from a cold and fever?

If medication is not used, the general course of the illness is about three to seven days. With medical intervention, recovery can generally be achieved in one to three days. If the fever exceeds 38.5°C, it is advisable to take measures to reduce fever to prevent complications such as febrile convulsions. Physical methods can be used to reduce fever. Fever can also be treated with oral antipyretics. During the treatment period, it is advisable to eat light meals, avoid staying up late, and avoid consuming large portions of meat and fish.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
36sec home-news-image

Can a cold cause vomiting?

The common cold is caused by a viral infection, often causing symptoms in the nasopharyngeal area, such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, fever, headaches, and so on. So, can a cold cause vomiting? Yes, a cold can cause vomiting. The symptoms mentioned earlier are typical of a cold. Some people may experience gastrointestinal symptoms during a cold, often referred to as a "stomach cold," which can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Therefore, sometimes cold sufferers may experience vomiting.