How many days can a cold heal by itself?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on May 21, 2025
00:00
00:00

The common cold is a frequently occurring disease in clinical practice, mainly divided into the common cold and influenza. These diseases are infectious and self-healing, and generally, recovery can occur naturally within three to seven days. The primary approach is to drink plenty of water, rest adequately, eat fresh vegetables and fruits, ensure sufficient quality sleep, and choose light, soft, and easy-to-digest foods in the diet. It is advisable to measure the body temperature twice a day and not to worry excessively. Mild cases do not require the use of antibiotics.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Bao Cai
Traditional Chinese Medicine
1min 3sec home-news-image

The difference between wind-heat cold and wind-cold cold

The pathogenic factors of Wind-Heat cold and Wind-Cold cold are different in traditional Chinese medicine. Wind-Heat cold is considered to be caused by the pathogenic factor of wind-heat, whereas Wind-Cold cold is considered to be caused by the pathogenic factor of wind-cold. The symptoms of the two also differ: Wind-Heat cold often involves obvious fever and a less pronounced fear of cold, while Wind-Cold cold definitely includes a sensation of chilliness, which may or may not accompany a fever. Both types involve symptoms of nasal congestion and a runny nose; however, the nasal discharge in Wind-Heat cold is often yellow and turbid, whereas in Wind-Cold cold, it is typically clear. Wind-Heat cold often accompanies a sore throat, whereas a sore throat is rare in cases of Wind-Cold cold. The treatments for the two also differ: Wind-Heat cold is typically treated by resolving the exterior and clearing heat, while Wind-Cold cold is treated by resolving the exterior and expelling cold.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
1min home-news-image

Can you drink alcohol when you have a cold and a stuffy nose?

A cold, also known as an upper respiratory tract infection, causes patients to experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing due to the congestion and swelling of the nasal mucous membrane from viral or bacterial infection. Some patients may also experience fever and coughing. Therefore, for patients with upper respiratory tract infections, it is not advisable to consume alcohol. Alcohol, which is spicy and stimulating, could worsen cold symptoms. Alcohol promotes blood circulation and can exacerbate congestion and swelling of the nasal and pharyngeal mucous membranes. Consequently, drinking alcohol can intensify symptoms like nasal congestion. Thus, it is not recommended to drink alcohol when experiencing nasal congestion during a cold.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
41sec home-news-image

Why do colds cause headaches?

Why does a cold cause headaches? A cold is a viral infection, and the inflammation stimulates the body's temperature regulation center, causing immune-related fever, which leads to complications such as fever, headache, and limb pain. Additionally, a cold can cause symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and tearing, which can also pull and cause forehead pain. Therefore, whether the headache is caused by any of these reasons, one can choose non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic medications to relieve the symptoms. At the same time, treatment should also be paired with symptomatic medication and antiviral drugs for a targeted approach.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
47sec home-news-image

Do you need to take medicine for a cold with nasal congestion?

Nasal congestion due to a cold is very common in clinical practice. The need for medication depends on the type of cold and the patient's own immune function. If the patient has a cold caused by a viral infection and the symptoms are not severe, or if the patient generally likes to exercise and is young, a mild cold may not require medication and can heal on its own within about a week. For children or elderly individuals with weaker resistance, when an upper respiratory infection occurs, it is advisable to administer some medication for symptomatic treatment to prevent the condition from worsening and to avoid unnecessary complications.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
44sec home-news-image

Symptoms of excessive internal heat and cold

The symptoms of a heat-induced cold are numerous. Initially, one may experience a bitter taste in the mouth, dry throat, and ringing in the ears. It is likely to be accompanied by insomnia, frequent dreaming, and restlessness. In severe cases, symptoms may include nasal congestion, runny nose, chills, and aversion to cold. Thus, if one experiences a heat-induced cold, it is crucial to manage and treat it promptly to prevent exacerbation of the condition. Ordinarily, one can take heat-reducing medications, or consume more fresh fruits and vegetables, which can effectively help improve symptoms. It is also important to drink plenty of water, urinate frequently, and avoid staying up late.