What should a baby eat when they have a cold?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 26, 2024
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During a cold, both babies and adults generally prefer liquid food over solid food. Babies who haven't started on solid food should drink as much milk as possible. For those who are beginning to eat solid foods, in addition to drinking more milk, you can also appropriately increase their intake of plain water and rice porridge. Older children, besides the aforementioned, can also appropriately consume some light soups and can increase their intake of fresh vegetables and fruits. These can be made into vegetable purees or juiced according to the baby's needs. Babies are more prone to dehydration when they have a cold or fever. To prevent dehydration or treat mild dehydration, fresh apple juice can be used as a substitute. For moderate or severe dehydration, seek medical attention promptly; the doctor will take necessary measures for rehydration.

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Written by Li Xue Qing
Gastroenterology
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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.)

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Written by Liao Bin
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Can you drink milk when you have a cold?

Whether you can drink milk when you have a cold depends on the specific condition. For those with a mild cold and no significant gastrointestinal symptoms, it is appropriate to drink warm milk. Since milk is rich in nutrients, containing high-quality protein, calories, amino acids, etc., it can be quite beneficial for the body's recovery. It also helps alleviate cold symptoms, especially easing symptoms like general body aches and fatigue. However, caution is needed for cold sufferers who have obvious gastrointestinal dysfunction, particularly those with gastro-intestinal type colds displaying nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is advised not to drink milk in such cases to avoid worsening the gastrointestinal dysfunction and potentially prolonging the recovery period. Additionally, it is important to avoid taking milk with other medications during a cold, as it might affect the efficacy of the medications.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
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Can you eat chicken when you have a cold?

During the onset of a cold, it is not advisable to eat chicken as it might increase the burden on the stomach and intestines. This is due to the decreased digestive function during a cold, which may lead to symptoms of indigestion. Therefore, it is recommended to consume light, warm, and easily digestible food, drink plenty of water, and facilitate excretion during the illness phase. Eating less at this time won’t do harm. In the recovery phase, nutrition can be enhanced by introducing foods rich in high-quality protein and vitamins, including chicken, which helps in replenishing nutrients and strengthens the body to facilitate a faster recovery from the illness.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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Can you eat watermelon at the beginning of a cold?

Colds can be categorized into many types, such as from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, into cold-induced colds and heat-induced colds. Cold-induced colds generally occur in winter. At the onset of such colds, it is usually not recommended to consume watermelon. This is because watermelon itself is considered a "cold" fruit, and conditions like cold-induced colds are often caused by exposure to cold winds leading to symptoms like nasal congestion and runny nose. Consuming watermelon at the onset of a cold-induced cold might worsen upper respiratory tract symptoms. On the other hand, heat-induced colds often occur in summer and are marked by symptoms such as sore throat, varying degrees of fever, and cough. In these cases, it is appropriate to eat some watermelon. Watermelon is nutritionally valuable and has cooling and heat-relief effects. Thus, for patients suffering from an upper respiratory tract heat-induced cold in the summer, consuming watermelon is suitable.

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Cold symptoms include swelling of the face and eyes.

Swelling of the eyes caused by a cold may be due to increased mucosal edema and secretions in the eyes, or it might be due to a secondary bacterial infection causing conditions such as eyelid inflammation or conjunctivitis. If there is eye swelling accompanied by purulent secretions, it is considered to be caused by inflammatory irritation. Topical use of rifampin eye drops or erythromycin ointment can be applied for anti-inflammatory treatment. If there is simply swelling and tearing without redness of the eyes, it may be due to increased glandular secretions caused by the cold, and medications that suppress glandular secretion along with vitamin supplements can be taken for symptomatic treatment. Drink plenty of water, rest more, and promote metabolism. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)