What should I do if the baby has a cold and a dry cough?

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on May 27, 2025
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When a baby has a cold and a dry cough, the first step is to administer a cough suppressant, which can be a traditional Chinese medicine or medications like ambroxol. Additionally, nebulizer inhalation can be used, which also acts as a cough suppressant. Moreover, if a viral infection is suspected, it is appropriate to use some antiviral medications for treatment. However, since viral infections often last a long time and may be complicated by bacterial infections, antibiotics such as cephalosporins and penicillins in oral formulations can be added to treat the infection.

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What kind of cold is one that involves constant sneezing?

If sneezing persists and it's due to a cold, it could be a viral infection. It's important to note that sneezing caused by viral colds is usually self-limiting, meaning that the condition of the patient gradually improves on its own, and typically resolves completely within 7 to 10 days even without medication. If sneezing continues for more than a week without improvement, especially if it's long-term and recurrent, then allergic rhinitis should be considered. Allergic rhinitis may manifest as recurrent runny nose and sneezing. In such cases, it often requires appropriate management, including avoiding allergens, avoiding inhaling cold air, and possibly taking leukotriene receptor antagonists or antihistamines for treatment. (Please use medications under the guidance of a physician.)

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Can you eat chicken soup if you have a cold and cough?

Cold is a common symptom, and after a cold-induced cough, we should pay more attention to rest. Maintain a positive mindset and regular diet. If the cold and cough are not very severe, we can eat some seasonal vegetables and fruits to enhance the body's resistance. As for chicken soup, it is very beneficial for health and a great tonic, but we should not drink too much chicken soup, as some people may get nosebleeds due to excessive heat. Also, do not consume too much nutrition; it is better to eat some light food and avoid overly greasy food.

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Which recovers faster, a cold caused by wind-heat or a cold caused by wind-cold?

Whether colds caused by wind-cold or wind-heat recover quickly varies from person to person, as the severity of illness and individual resistance differ, so the recovery time can also vary. Generally, whether it's a wind-heat or wind-cold cold, it usually takes about 3 to 7 days to see significant improvement. In severe cases, it may take about 10 days to recover effectively. During the recovery period, attention should also be paid to diet, such as consuming more digestible foods, or undergoing medication treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician.

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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.)

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Can you take medicine for wind-heat cold when you have a wind-cold cold?

The main symptoms of a cold caused by wind-cold are a significant chill and heavy feeling, mild fever, absence of sweating, headache, sore limbs, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and coughing up white, thin phlegm. The primary treatment method is to disperse wind-cold using pungent and warm herbs. For treating a cold caused by wind-heat, one should use cooling herbs to disperse wind-heat. Therefore, the medicines for wind-heat cold should not be consumed during a wind-cold cold, as their treatment methods are completely contrary and would only worsen the symptoms.