Can acute upper respiratory infection cause diarrhea?

Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
Updated on November 29, 2024
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Acute upper respiratory infections, also known clinically as the common cold, can be categorized into several types, including bacterial and viral colds. Therefore, based on the different pathogens infecting the upper respiratory tract, the clinical symptoms exhibited by patients can vary significantly. Typically, patients with viral colds not only experience various clinical discomfort symptoms related to the upper respiratory tract but also suffer from varying degrees of gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms indicate a gastro-intestinal type of cold. Hence, for patients with acute upper respiratory infections caused by viral infections, the presence of diarrhea and other related clinical symptoms is quite common. Timely antiviral and symptomatic treatment can alleviate the discomfort caused by the gastro-intestinal type of cold.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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Can I eat beef with an acute upper respiratory infection?

Acute upper respiratory infections are usually caused by patients accidentally catching colds and contracting certain viruses or bacteria, leading to varying degrees of clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, fever, and sore throat. For such patients, it is generally not recommended to eat beef. Although beef is highly nutritious, it tends to increase internal heat, especially in patients with heat-type colds. Eating beef at this time may cause the patient to experience increased fever, as well as worsening cough and sore throat symptoms. Therefore, it is suggested that patients with acute upper respiratory infections drink more water and consume more fresh vegetables and fruits to facilitate a quicker recovery.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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Can acute upper respiratory infections heal on their own?

Acute upper respiratory tract infection is clinically localized above the nasal cavity and pharynx. Symptoms typically seen in such patients include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itchy throat, and coughing. The onset is usually sudden, and some patients may experience sore throats, while others may have an itchy throat. In most cases, these infections are viral. For such patients, the course of the disease is about one week and is usually self-limiting. For elderly individuals or infants and young children, who are generally more frail, it is advisable to prescribe appropriate medications for symptomatic treatment when they contract an acute upper respiratory tract infection, to prevent the aggravation of symptoms and further discomfort.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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Can you eat mangoes with an acute upper respiratory tract infection?

Patients with acute upper respiratory infections display various clinical symptoms due to differences in the immune function of their bodies. If some patients with upper respiratory infections show only symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing, without fever or cough, they can eat mangoes. Mangoes are highly nutritious and can enhance the immune system and also have anti-cancer properties because they contain a high amount of Vitamin C, often more than other fruits, especially when fresh. Eating mangoes can strengthen the immune system, aiding in the recovery from symptoms of upper respiratory infections. However, it is generally not recommended to eat mangoes when acute upper respiratory infections involve fever and cough, as mangoes are tropical fruits and might exacerbate coughing symptoms in some patients.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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Do acute upper respiratory infections require infusion?

Whether acute upper respiratory infections require fluid administration mainly depends on the patient's condition; the vast majority of acute upper respiratory infections do not require fluid administration. An acute upper respiratory infection, commonly referred to as a cold, is primarily caused by various pathogens, such as viruses or bacteria, infecting our upper respiratory tract, including the nose, pharynx, and larynx, which are commonly referred to as the upper respiratory tract. The symptoms of an upper respiratory infection mainly manifest as a runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, etc. For most people with normal immune function, young and middle-aged adults, or older adults in good health, upper respiratory infections can heal on their own, with or without medication. However, for some individuals in poor health, or older adults, an upper respiratory infection could potentially trigger heart failure, pneumonia, etc. Therefore, in these cases, some fluid therapy might be necessary, so the decision should be made based on the individual and specific medical condition, not arbitrarily applied across all cases.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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What should I do if a child has an acute upper respiratory infection?

When children develop acute upper respiratory infections, the main focuses are to ensure plenty of rest, clear the exterior and reduce heat, and prevent complications. During fever, it is advisable to give liquid or soft foods, encourage increased water intake, and for infants, feed small amounts frequently to avoid symptoms of digestive upset like vomiting and diarrhea. Maintain room temperature between 18 to 22 degrees Celsius, and keep a certain level of humidity. If there is excessive nasal and pharyngeal secretion, a prone position can be helpful. For high fevers, initially use a cold towel to moisten the forehead and the entire head, or use fever patches or a warm bath to alleviate discomfort and prevent febrile convulsions. It is beneficial for the baby to drink more water to replenish the bodily fluids lost due to fever and to facilitate the elimination of toxins. Adequate hydration can help thin the secretions in the nasal passages, making them easier to clear. Medication can also be used for treatment.