Is a sore throat caused by a cold with wind-cold or a cold with wind-heat?

Written by Guo Xiao Yun
Pulmonology
Updated on January 27, 2025
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Sore throat may be caused by a cold due to wind-cold or wind-heat, which are terms used in traditional Chinese medicine. However, from a Western medicine perspective, both wind-cold and wind-heat colds are caused by viral infections, and in rare cases, bacterial infections. When bacteria or viruses invade the respiratory tract's mucous membranes, especially the mucous membranes of the throat, it leads to congestion and swelling of the throat mucosa, increased exudation of inflammatory secretions, resulting in symptoms such as sore throat, throat discomfort, and coughing up phlegm. Therefore, a sore throat could be due to a cold caused by wind-cold or wind-heat. In such cases, it is appropriate to take some anti-cold medications or some Chinese patent medicines to alleviate the symptoms.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
1min 2sec home-news-image

The Principle of Sore Throat from a Cold

A cold generally can cause symptoms of sore throat, due to conditions like pharyngitis or tonsillitis triggered by the cold. Typically, the illness lasts about five to seven days, partly due to a decrease in immune strength, which is somewhat related to the low resistance. During this time, it is important to rest sufficiently, stay hydrated, and avoid excessive fatigue. In severe cases, it may also be necessary to use anti-inflammatory and anti-infection medications as well as cold remedies under a doctor's guidance to alleviate symptoms. Furthermore, if a sore throat occurs immediately with a cold, it might indicate chronic pharyngitis; it is advisable to use medications regularly and in the correct dosage under a doctor's guidance to prevent worsening of the condition. Additionally, drinking herbal teas that clear heat and detoxify can also provide some relief.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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What is the difference between a stomach cold and a common cold?

Gastrointestinal flu and common cold have certain differences. The so-called gastrointestinal flu, clinically, often involves some viruses infecting the respiratory tract, which causes patients to have not only upper respiratory symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, fever, and throat itchiness. These patients will also experience gastrointestinal discomforts like nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, diarrhea, and a decrease in appetite. These symptoms indicate gastrointestinal flu. On the other hand, patients with a common cold typically exhibit only upper respiratory symptoms, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, fever, throat itchiness, and coughing. Generally, a common cold does not accompany symptoms like abdominal distension, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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What are the symptoms of a cold in children?

Pediatric colds, also known as acute upper respiratory infections, exhibit symptoms that can be categorized into local and systemic symptoms. Local symptoms include nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, mild coughing, discomfort in the throat, and sore throat. Systemic symptoms primarily consist of overall weakness, fever, reduced appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and generalized aches. In infants and toddlers, local symptoms are generally not as pronounced, while systemic symptoms tend to be more severe. For some children aged six months to three years, colds accompanied by fever can also lead to febrile convulsions. In older children, local symptoms are usually more prominent, while systemic symptoms are milder. Regarding this type of acute upper respiratory infection, there are two common specific types in children: herpangina and pharyngoconjunctival fever.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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Can I eat watermelon if I have a cold and cough?

When suffering from a cold and cough, it is appropriate to eat some watermelon as it contains a lot of water which can help replenish the fluids the body needs. It also has a soothing effect on the throat. However, be careful not to eat too much because watermelon has a high sugar content. Excessive sugar intake can exacerbate coughing by increasing phlegm. Additionally, watermelon has cooling properties, so consuming too much can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. Patients with weak spleen and stomach, already having frail gastrointestinal systems, may experience discomfort from consuming too much watermelon. It is recommended to eat moderate amounts and maintain a light diet, drink plenty of water, and consume more fruits like apples, pears, or grapefruits which are more suitable. It is crucial to actively cooperate with medical treatment during a cold and cough to alleviate symptoms.

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Written by Li Ying
Gastroenterology
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How to treat a stomach cold in winter.

Gastrointestinal colds are commonly seen in the transition between winter and spring or autumn and winter. If you feel discomfort in your gastrointestinal area during these times, it might be a gastrointestinal cold. In this case, it is suggested to take standard medications for stomach pain and diarrhea and also to drink plenty of water. A gastrointestinal cold generally causes a high fever, so if you have a fever, you can take some antipyretics to lower your body temperature. Additionally, it is important to rehydrate timely during diarrhea and to adjust your diet to include more fresh vegetables and fruits. Eat semi-solid foods like rice porridge and soup, and avoid greasy, spicy food. Avoid intense physical activities, rest more, and get plenty of sleep to allow your body to recover quickly.