What are the differences between a hot cold and a cold cold?

Written by Guo Xiao Yun
Pulmonology
Updated on January 08, 2025
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The difference between a hot cold and a cold cold mainly lies in the causes and symptoms. If a cold is mainly caused by the invasion of wind-heat evil into the body, it is clinically characterized by yellow urine, coughing up purulent sputum accompanied by high fever, headache, and sore throat discomfort. On the other hand, a cold cold is primarily caused by the invasion of wind-cold evil into the body, and it is clinically characterized by white, thin sputum, and symptoms such as chills, cold limbs, dizziness, and fatigue. Whether it is a hot cold or a cold cold, from the perspective of Western medicine, most are caused by viral infections. Therefore, taking some anti-cold medication or some traditional Chinese medicines can improve symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
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Is the sore throat caused by a cold-cold or a cold-heat cold?

Sore throat is generally caused by wind-heat cold, while wind-cold cold is caused by exposure to wind and cold, clinically manifested by mild fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, and no sore throat. Wind-heat cold is caused by exposure to wind-heat, typically presenting with severe fever, chills, dry mouth, sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, and yellow phlegm. However, sore throat can also be caused by cold enclosing heat. During a cold, it is important to pay attention to a light diet and avoid eating overly greasy or spicy food.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
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How to alleviate dizziness from a stomach cold?

Gastrointestinal cold is a common type of cold seen clinically, primarily due to low immune function in patients, viral infections, leading to varying degrees of nasal congestion, runny nose, fever, dizziness, and cough, as well as some gastrointestinal discomfort symptoms like appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, and diarrhea. For patients with gastrointestinal cold, fever can inevitably cause varying degrees of dizziness, and some patients may experience severe dehydration due to diarrhea caused by the gastrointestinal cold, leading to electrolyte imbalance, which can also cause dizziness. Therefore, for dizziness caused by a gastrointestinal cold, the first step is to control the body temperature back to normal, then appropriately rehydrate. If the patient already has electrolyte imbalance, it should be timely corrected, generally relieving the symptoms of dizziness caused by the gastrointestinal cold.

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Written by Qiu Xin Hui
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Is catching a cold from excessive internal heat the same as a wind-heat cold?

Colds caused by excessive internal heat are common in everyday life. They are mostly caused by wind-heat type colds, and part of them are what we often refer to as "cold wrapped in heat", meaning one has caught a wind-cold type cold while also showing symptoms of excessive internal heat. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) doctor in person for diagnosis. Based on one's condition, the diagnosis is made through the four examinations of inspection, listening and smelling, inquiry, and palpation to differentiate the syndromes and decide on the treatment. Colds caused by excessive internal heat generally require the use of herbs that clear heat and purge fire, combined with herbs that expel wind and release the exterior for treatment to achieve recovery. (The use of medicines should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
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Symptoms of the common cold recur repeatedly.

If cold symptoms repeatedly occur, it is primarily considered to be due to poor bodily resistance and physical fitness. In this case, it is crucial to focus on improving dietary nutrition by consuming foods rich in vitamin C and protein, eating smaller meals more frequently, and avoiding overeating at one time. Additionally, it is important to engage in active outdoor activities, increase physical exercise, enhance physical fitness, and improve personal resistance. It is also vital not to stay up late and to ensure adequate sleep, as the body promotes self-repair during rest and sleep, which can help alleviate cold symptoms more quickly. Besides these actions, it is necessary to follow a doctor's guidance and cooperate with the doctor to take the appropriate medications to treat the symptoms. Do not stop or reduce the medication dosage on your own to avoid repeated illness and prolonged recovery.

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How to reduce fever from a stomach flu?

Generally, physical cooling methods such as wiping with alcohol or applying ice packs to areas with large arteries like the armpits, groin, or neck can be used to dissipate heat, but it is important to prevent frostbite. Secondly, you can drink herbal teas that clear heat, such as chrysanthemum tea or honeysuckle tea. Massages can also help reduce fever, focusing on acupoints like Quchi (LI 11), Hegu (LI 4), Dazhui (GV 14), and Yongquan (KI 1). Additionally, antipyretic and analgesic medications can be taken to help reduce fever. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)