What is the best treatment for a mild cold?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on December 25, 2024
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Minor colds generally do not require medication. If your resistance is normal, adjusting your diet and ensuring proper rest usually allows for natural recovery. In terms of diet, it's important to avoid overly greasy, high-calorie foods, prevent overeating, maintain indoor air cleanliness, drink more ginger tea, avoid staying up late, take your temperature twice daily, and consume fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C, such as kiwi, tomatoes, dragon fruit, and mango. Typically, recovery occurs within three to seven days.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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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.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Symptoms of cold and fever in children

Child colds indicate an upper respiratory infection, mostly caused by viral infections, with some triggering bacterial infections. It is very common for children with colds to have fevers. In such cases, it is important to ensure the child is well-hydrated. If the temperature exceeds 38.5°C, fever-reducing medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen suspension should be administered. Additionally, cold medications can be taken to alleviate symptoms. When the temperature is below 38.5°C, drinking plenty of fluids is usually sufficient. In essence, the main treatment for a cold is symptomatic relief. Symptoms like fever, runny nose, sneezing, and coughing are all common with colds. (Please take medication under the guidance of a professional physician, and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Chen Bao Cai
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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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.

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Written by Qiu Xin Hui
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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How to get better from a cold caused by excessive internal heat?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, a cold due to "internal heat" is considered to be caused by a decrease in the body's resistance and exposure to wind-heat. At this time, it is appropriate to take some mildly cool, exterior-releasing medicines to regulate the condition. If at home, one can choose to use Banlangen granules, or make a soup with pears, or drink water boiled with white radish. These can significantly improve the symptoms of a cold due to internal heat. It is also advisable to drink more hot porridge to induce a slight sweat, which can help treat the condition. (Note: Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Wu Shu Jie
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Can scraping (gua sha) treat a cold?

Gua Sha is one of the methods used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for treating and preventing diseases. It is often performed on the Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang, which is located on the back of the human body. The Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang is superficial and acts as the first line of defense when external pathogens invade the body. By scraping the Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang, it stimulates the meridians and channels, enhances the body's immunity, and promotes the expulsion of pathogenic factors by strengthening the body’s vital energy. According to TCM, "when the vital energy is preserved within, pathogens cannot interfere." Therefore, scraping the Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang can help in treating and preventing the common cold.