How to get better from a cold quickly?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on May 28, 2025
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First, it is important to correctly understand the common cold. The common cold itself is caused by a decrease in body immunity, infection by rhinoviruses, pharyngoviruses, adenoviruses, influenza, or parainfluenza viruses, leading to symptoms of respiratory infection. The principle of treatment is to choose symptomatic medicinal treatment, combined with antiviral drugs, and causative treatment. In terms of diet, attention should be paid to avoiding overly greasy, stimulating, and spicy foods, drinking plenty of hot water, measuring body temperature twice daily, and consuming foods like kiwifruit, celery, and spinach to help with metabolism.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Can I eat sea cucumber when I have a cold?

It is best not to eat sea cucumber during a cold, as it is considered a 'cold' food. Eating sea cucumber while having a cold can easily worsen the condition, and if there is an allergy to seafood, it may trigger an allergic reaction. During a cold, patients can eat some light fruits and vegetables, and it is generally not recommended to eat sea cucumber. During a cold, the body is relatively weak, and gastrointestinal function is not very good. Eating sea cucumber can lead to indigestion, which is not conducive to recovery from the cold. It is necessary to treat the cold with appropriate medication, and sea cucumber can be eaten after recovery.

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Written by Gan Jun
Endocrinology
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Can high blood sugar cause a cold?

For patients with high blood sugar who have had the condition for a long time and exhibit poor blood sugar control, such diabetic individuals are prone to catching colds. This is because prolonged high blood sugar can cause a decline in the body's immune capacity, leading to insufficient ability to resist viruses and bacteria, thus making them susceptible to the common cold. Therefore, there is some basis to the claim that high blood sugar can lead to colds. For patients with high blood sugar, it is crucial to adhere to the dietary principles for diabetes management, which include consuming a low-sugar, low-fat diet, eating fresh vegetables, and fruits with a low glycemic index. It is also recommended that these patients regularly engage in physical exercise to enhance their immune system, improve their disease resistance, and reduce the occurrence of colds.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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What foods can you eat when you have a cold and a fever?

Generally, when experiencing a cold or fever, it is important to focus on eating light and easily digestible foods. This is because our gastrointestinal function tends to decline during the cold and fever stages. Consuming spicy, greasy, and indigestible foods at this time may add extra burden to the stomach and intestines, leading to indigestion. Additionally, there might be symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, or even diarrhea. Therefore, it is advisable to consume warm, well-cooked foods such as porridge, millet porridge, vegetable porridge, noodles, or dishes like wonton soup, vegetable soup, and dragon whisker noodles. Moreover, it is essential to drink plenty of water during a fever to promote metabolism and enhance the body's resistance. It is also appropriate to eat some fresh fruits and vegetables to replenish vitamins. Vitamin C can help boost metabolism and aid cellular repair, which is significantly helpful in recovering from colds and fevers. At the same time, it is recommended to maintain a positive mood, and if the body temperature exceeds 38.5℃, it is important to take antipyretic medicine promptly.

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Written by Zou Zhong Lan
Pulmonology
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The difference between viral and bacterial colds

The main differences between viral and bacterial colds are: First, the pathogens are different. Viral colds are primarily caused by viruses, while bacterial colds are mainly caused by bacterial infections. Second, the characteristics of contagion differ. Viral colds generally have stronger contagiousness, such as influenza, which has distinct characteristics of outbreaks and often occurs seasonally in spring and winter, with a sudden onset. Bacterial colds are less contagious and typically occur sporadically. Third, the symptoms differ. Generally, viral colds mainly present symptoms of nasal congestion, runny nose, and other upper respiratory catarrhal symptoms. Bacterial colds mainly present with fever, sore throat, tonsillitis, and other symptoms. Fourth, in terms of examinations, a typical hemogram for viral colds usually shows normal or low white blood cells, with an increase in lymphocytes, while bacterial colds often show an increase in white blood cells or neutrophils. Fifth, the treatment approaches differ. Treatment for viral colds primarily includes antiviral therapy, nutritional support, ventilation, and hydration. Bacterial colds are mainly treated with antibiotics and anti-infection therapies.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What to eat when you have a stomach cold and a high fever?

Gastrointestinal flu with high fever requires a diet primarily consisting of soft, easy-to-digest foods. It is also necessary to consume more vegetables and fruits to supplement dietary fiber. Avoid cold, raw, and spicy, irritating foods. It is important to promptly use medications for treatment, such as those that clear heat and dampness, promote qi and release the exterior, dissipate heat and soothe the liver, suppress gastric acid secretion, and protect the gastric mucosa and intestines. For diarrhea, symptomatic antidiarrheal treatment should be used, and keep the abdomen warm. Rest more during this period and avoid excessive fatigue. (Please use medication under the guidance of a physician)