Which department should I visit for a cold?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on February 03, 2025
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A cold is a common self-limiting disease in daily life, and it is also somewhat contagious. For treatment and examination, one can visit the general internal medicine department or the respiratory department at a hospital. If it is a severe contagious cold, such as an epidemic influenza, it is advisable to go to the infectious disease department of the hospital for examination. The main principle is symptomatic treatment and antiviral management, while avoiding stress. Mild cases may recover on their own within three to seven days without medication or treatment, simply by resting and drinking plenty of water. However, if the symptoms are severe, timely examination should be sought to prevent complications.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How to treat a viral cold

How to treat viral colds depends on whether it is an epidemic flu or a common cold. If it is just a common viral cold, special treatment is generally not needed. Pay attention to rest, ensure sufficient good sleep and appropriate indoor temperature and humidity. By drinking more boiled water and eating more vegetables, you can naturally recover. If it is epidemic flu, you can choose to take antipyretic analgesics and antiviral drugs to relieve symptoms. You can take Qingkailing, combined with acetaminophen, vitamin C, Yinqiao tablets, and other medications. Note: Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Qiu Xin Hui
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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What to eat for a cold caused by wind-cold

Cold due to wind-cold primarily occurs when the body's resistance is weakened, and it is exposed to the pathogenic influence of wind-cold. This pathogenic influence remains inside the body and cannot be expelled promptly. Symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose with clear discharge, sneezing, headache, aversion to cold, and floating pulse may occur. At this time, it is necessary to take some food or medicine that dispels wind and cold, and releases the exterior to regulate the body. You may choose to drink ginger and brown sugar water; ginger has an excellent effect in dispersing wind-cold, and brown sugar can enhance the body's resistance. Drink it hot to induce a slight sweat, which can quickly improve the symptoms of a cold due to wind-cold. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Can you smoke when you have a cold?

You should not smoke when you have a cold. As colds are a type of respiratory infection, smoking can directly irritate the respiratory system, including the mouth, throat, and nasal mucosa, worsening the condition and triggering coughing and sore throat. This is detrimental to both recovery from the illness and overall health, therefore, smoking should be avoided during a cold. During a cold, it is also advisable to eat a light diet, avoid meat, and consume more fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, drink plenty of water, and avoid staying up late. Generally, recovery will gradually occur within three to seven days. If there is a secondary bacterial infection, antimicrobial medication may also be necessary for treatment.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Can you eat crab after taking cold medicine when you have a cold?

It is recommended not to eat crab after taking cold medicine. Because crabs are aquatic animals and are considered cold in nature. During a cold, it is best to avoid overly cold foods, pay attention to rest, drink more warm fluids, and follow a light, easy-to-digest diet, and to take medicine on schedule. Although eating crab will not cause poisoning, it can decrease the effectiveness of cold medicine, thereby prolonging the duration of the cold. If the cold improves, crabs can be consumed in small amounts.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What should I do if I have a cold?

When you catch a cold, first measure your body temperature, pay attention to rest and hygiene, avoid eating spicy and overly greasy food, avoid staying up late, avoid getting chilled, ensure sufficient and good sleep, and drink more ginger brown sugar water, which can warm the body, promote sweating and urination, and enhance metabolism. If there are symptoms of fever, you can also use antipyretic analgesic medications primarily for antiviral treatment based on the cause, as well as symptomatic treatment. You may choose to take Qingkailing granules or Banlangen granules for antiviral treatment.