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Common cold
Symptoms of a cold in children
The symptoms of a minor cold most commonly involve fever in children, accompanied by a runny nose, nasal congestion, and coughing. Some may also experience shortness of breath, wheezing, and even symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. The symptoms can vary for each child. Some babies with a cold may only show symptoms like a runny nose, mild cough, and nasal congestion. Others might present with recurrent high fever, lethargy, and even vomiting and diarrhea. Therefore, it is important to adopt appropriate treatment measures tailored to each specific cause of the illness.
How long will a cold with a runny nose last?
The symptoms of a cold with a runny nose generally recover within seven to ten days. A runny nose during a cold is usually caused by a viral infection. For viral colds, the condition of the patient is generally self-limiting. The natural course of the illness is usually seven to ten days, so the symptoms of a runny nose usually recover within this timeframe. However, for patients with a cold, there is often also a symptom of coughing. Although in most cases, the cough also eases within seven to ten days, some patients with colds may experience persistent coughing symptoms that can even last for one to two months. This condition is referred to as post-cold cough or post-infectious cough.
How to deal with a sore throat from a cold due to excessive internal heat?
Experiencing a cold due to excessive internal heat sometimes leads to symptoms like sore throat and dry throat. If the symptoms are mild, one can manage them through dietary adjustments or by drinking mulberry leaf and chrysanthemum tea, which may alleviate the clinical symptoms. One can also use Isatis root, as it can treat sore throats and relieve some of its symptoms. However, if a cold from excessive heat causes severe sore throat, along with other systemic symptoms like fever and headache, it is crucial to take medicine and consult a doctor to determine the most suitable medication. Additionally, if the sore throat caused by the cold is accompanied by other discomforts, such as severe throat pain and elevated blood markers, it is appropriate to use antibiotics in combination with other treatments. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor and avoid self-medicating.)
Can I drink milk when I have a cold?
During a cold, it is okay to drink milk because milk contains abundant proteins, various trace elements, and minerals that can supplement the body's nutrition, boost the immune system, and facilitate recovery from the cold. However, during a cold, it is advised not to drink cold milk but to drink warm milk instead, as gastrointestinal function is also weakened during a cold. Drinking cold milk might irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. Moreover, it is important not to drink excessive amounts of milk during a cold. Drinking a moderate amount of milk is acceptable, as too much milk can increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract. Besides drinking milk, consuming fresh vegetables and fruits and drinking plenty of warm water can also help speed up recovery from a cold.
Can babies take a bath when they have a cold?
Actually, when children have a cold, they might sweat. If they sweat, their clothes will get wet, and having a lot of sweat on their body can also be uncomfortable. If they are not cleaned properly, it can actually make the baby feel very uncomfortable. So, it's completely fine to bathe when having a cold, especially for babies who are feverish. After their body temperature rises, bathing can also help to bring the temperature down, which is actually an effective method of physical cooling. As long as the room temperature and water temperature are kept appropriate, it is okay to bathe.
Does a heat cold fear heat?
Colds are quite common in clinical settings, and from the perspective of Chinese medicine, colds are divided into heat-type colds and cold-type colds. Patients with a heat-type cold do not necessarily feel hot; this type of cold is most common in the summer. The primary symptoms include sore throat and cough, usually with yellow phlegm, runny nose, and nasal congestion, often caused by yellow nasal discharge. Therefore, such patients may not exhibit a clear aversion to cold. Thus, it is appropriate to administer treatments like antiviral and heat-clearing detoxifying medications to address these symptoms, which can provide relief. It is not the case that patients with a heat-type cold will always feel hot. Indeed, if a fever is present, patients with a heat-type cold may even experience feeling cold.
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.
How does a cold caused by wind-cold transform into a cold caused by wind-heat?
During a cold, wind-cold and wind-heat colds can transform into each other. The intertwining of cold and heat is common. Generally, in the treatment of a cold, whether it is a wind-cold or wind-heat, treatment should be symptomatic. As long as you take cold medicine that targets various symptoms, it can alleviate the symptoms. Normally, pay more attention to rest, eat more light fruits, and vegetables, do not overwork, do not stay up late, keep regular meals, and pay attention to adjusting your mindset.
What should I do if I have a cold with headache and fever?
When experiencing symptoms of a cold such as headache and fever, one should first measure their body temperature and adopt corresponding treatment measures based on the severity of the fever. Fever can cause headaches, fatigue, body aches, and may even lead to complications like nausea and vomiting. If the body temperature does not exceed 38℃ (100.4°F), one can take vitamin supplements, drink ginger tea, and use physical methods to reduce fever. If the body temperature is above 38℃ (100.4°F), one may consider taking antipyretic and pain-relieving medications like ibuprofen or aspirin to alleviate symptoms. Generally, once the body temperature returns to normal, headache symptoms will gradually improve or disappear. (The use of medications should be based on specific conditions and under the guidance of a doctor.)
Can you catch a cold during pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a normal physiological state for women to nurture a fetus. During pregnancy, factors such as a decrease in immunity, catching a cold, or malnutrition can lead to viral infections, causing symptoms of a cold. Whether a pregnant woman catches a cold mainly depends on her physical constitution, that is, her immune and resistance capacities. Pregnant women with a cold should avoid the indiscriminate and excessive use of medications, especially antibiotics, antiviral drugs, and hormonal products. It is important to drink plenty of water, rest adequately, and if medication is necessary, it should be chosen under the guidance of a doctor. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)