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Common cold
How to treat phlegm in children with colds
When children have a cold with phlegm, the treatment includes: 1. Administering antiviral drugs or other appropriate medications based on the cause of the cold; 2. Providing specific oral cold medicines for treatment; 3. If there is a lot of phlegm, oral medications to reduce phlegm can be used in combination with other treatments. When there is less phlegm, parents can encourage the child to drink more water, frequently hydrate, and assist with patting the back, which helps to moisten and expel the phlegm. For excessive phlegm, nebulization inhalation treatments can also be used, where the medication acts directly on the respiratory tract, helping with the absorption of respiratory tract phlegm. In severe cases, if there is a lot of phlegm with coughing discomfort or a severe cough, it is necessary to take the child to the hospital for detailed laboratory tests. Based on the specific pathogen causing the excessive phlegm and cold, targeted treatment should be given under the guidance of a doctor.
Why does fetal movement become frequent when a pregnant woman catches a cold?
When pregnant women catch a cold, there may be abnormalities in fetal movement. This is because symptoms such as fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, and headache can occur after catching a cold, leading to discomfort. Nasal congestion can cause insufficient oxygen supply in the pregnant woman, thereby affecting the nourishment to the baby. This can also increase fetal movements. In addition, nasal congestion may lead to hypoxia in pregnant women. These conditions are detrimental to the health of both the fetus and the pregnant woman. It is advisable to visit the hospital timely for examinations and symptomatic treatment, and oxygen therapy might be necessary if required.
What to eat when you have a cold and fever
When suffering from a cold and fever, it is advisable to consume more bland, soft foods that are rich in vitamins and high in fiber. For instance, drinking millet congee or vegetable congee can be beneficial. In terms of fruits and vegetables, options like apples, bananas, kiwi, tomatoes, mung bean sprouts, and carrots are recommended. Avoid overeating, smoking, and drinking alcohol. Foods like soy products, dairy, and eggs can be consumed in moderation. During the acute phase of a cold and fever, it is not recommended to eat meat or seafood, or consume irritating substances like chili peppers. It's better to drink more ginger tea with sugar. To alleviate fever symptoms, physical cooling or medication can be used.
Is the sore throat caused by a wind-heat cold or a wind-cold cold?
A simple sore throat alone cannot determine whether it is a cold caused by wind-cold or wind-heat. If it is a wind-cold cold, the congestion in the throat is not very obvious, the mouth is not dry, and the tongue coating is somewhat white. If it is a wind-heat cold, the congestion in the throat is obvious, accompanied by redness and swelling. In adults, the main causes are pharyngitis, long-term exposure to dust, or psychological reasons. After catching a cold, it's important to rest more, avoid excessive fatigue, eat more light fruits and vegetables, avoid staying up late, and drink plenty of hot water.
Cold and cough symptoms.
A cold is caused by the invasion of various pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, mycoplasma, and chlamydia into our upper respiratory tract, leading to inflammation there. Due to the inflammation in the upper respiratory tract, a large amount of secretions such as nasal discharge and phlegm in the throat are produced, causing symptoms like coughing. Some patients may have a dry cough, while others might cough up phlegm, which can be white or yellow. Coughing during a cold is a common symptom, and it can generally be addressed by taking some cold medicines, which are available as both traditional Chinese and Western medicines. Choosing the right medicine that suits one's needs can help treat the symptoms of a cold cough. (The use of medicines should be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor.)
What should I do if I catch a cold during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, if a cold occurs, it should be analyzed based on the duration and type of the cold. Colds are generally categorized into common colds and influenza. Common colds are self-limiting, and typically heal on their own within 7 to 14 days without the need for medication. Influenza can be accompanied by high fever, and severe cases can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, thus requiring early detection and treatment. If the cold occurs within two weeks after ovulation and does not lead to miscarriage, the pregnancy can usually continue, and there will generally be no long-term impact on fetal development. However, if a cold occurs between the first to third month of pregnancy, during the period of fetal organ differentiation, it might lead to abnormal fetal development. Additional examinations would be necessary during the mid-term of the pregnancy. Colds that occur after the third month of pregnancy typically have a minor impact on the fetus, and usually do not require special treatment.
Why do I catch a cold again after just getting over one?
Repeated colds indicate that the body has weak immunity, making it susceptible to repeated infections by cold viruses, leading to symptoms of a cold. Therefore, it is important to regularly exercise, get more sunlight, balance work and rest, and develop good living habits. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and staying up late; ensure sufficient sleep to allow the body to recover. Eat fresh vegetables and fruits and consume more protein-rich foods, such as milk, beef, and lean meats, to enhance the body's resistance. It is crucial to keep warm, especially during weather changes, to avoid catching cold. Adjust your clothing accordingly and try to avoid crowded places during the cold season. If you must visit these places, it is advisable to wear a mask.
Why did I catch a cold again just after recovering from one?
Colds primarily occur among populations with diminished immune functions, such as infants and the elderly. Since infants do not develop their own resistance until the age of six, they tend to catch colds more frequently. It's also common for someone to catch a cold again soon after recovering if they get chilled. Thus, this group typically has particularly low immune function, leading to frequent colds. Therefore, we recommend that such patients should exercise regularly and consume foods high in vitamins. It is also advisable for them to engage in physical activities within their capacity. With long-term exercise, their immune strength can be significantly enhanced, thereby greatly reducing the frequency of colds. It's also wise to avoid going out to public places during the peak cold season whenever possible.
What should I do if I have a slight cold?
If you experience some symptoms of a cold, you shouldn't worry too much about it. A common cold usually heals on its own in about seven days, and it tends to resolve naturally. However, if you experience a cold accompanied by headaches, fever, coughing, phlegm, or sore throat, this could be more serious and might be due to a viral or bacterial infection. In such cases, under the guidance of a doctor, you can take appropriate anti-inflammatory or antiviral medications. It's also important to stay hydrated to boost metabolism and enhance the body’s immunity. Make sure to keep warm and avoid exposure to cold drafts. During a cold, avoid smoking and alcohol and cooperate actively with medical treatment. Additionally, maintaining a positive mood is crucial as stress can adversely affect recovery from illness.
What is good to eat when you have a cold?
What to eat when you have a cold? You should choose soft, bland, and easily digestible foods. In terms of medication, you need to choose antiviral drugs and symptomatic treatment drugs. The diet should be light, soft, and easy to digest, avoiding excessive consumption of meat and overly greasy, high-calorie foods. Eat more celery, spinach, mung bean sprouts, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, bitter melon, etc. General soy products and dairy can also be consumed. It is not recommended to consume too much meat; the focus should be on light foods, consumed in small amounts frequently. When having a fever, opt for liquid or semi-liquid foods.