What should I do if I have a cold?

Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
Updated on May 23, 2025
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The common cold is a frequently occurring disease. If it is just a common cold, it does have certain self-healing properties, and generally heals on its own in about seven days. Symptoms may include a runny nose, sneezing, and some nasal congestion. At this time, you only need to stay warm, avoid exposure to cold winds, eat some warm, easy-to-digest foods, and drink some brown sugar ginger juice to relieve the symptoms. If the condition is more serious, or the symptoms are more pronounced, symptomatic treatment can be sufficient. However, if it is influenza caused by a viral infection, it generally onset quickly with pronounced symptoms. In this case, it is necessary to take anti-infective and anti-cold medications under the guidance of a doctor. Normally, it's also important to drink plenty of water, promote excretion, rest more, not to stay up late, ensure sufficient sleep, enhance your own resistance, and during the treatment period, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, actively cooperate with the treatment.

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Symptoms of a baby's cold and fever

Infant colds and fevers are categorized as respiratory infections, typically caused by pathogens such as respiratory viruses, bacteria, mycoplasma, and chlamydia. The initial symptoms usually manifest as varying degrees of fever. Subsequent general symptoms include appearing slightly less lively than usual, possibly accompanied by a reduced appetite, nausea, and even abdominal discomfort. The third category of symptoms affects the upper respiratory tract, commonly presenting as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and in some cases, coughing and excessive phlegm.

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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 Zhang Xian Hua
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How to clear phlegm for a baby with a cold?

There are several methods to help a baby with a cold expel phlegm, which are as follows: First, you can give the infant some Western or traditional Chinese medicines that help expel phlegm to aid the removal of mucus. Second, gently patting the baby's back can also facilitate the expulsion of phlegm. Third, if possible, using a phlegm suction device can help the baby expel phlegm. Fourth, administering nebulized medications that help expel and remove phlegm can be effective. Lastly, it's important to treat the cause of the baby's cold-related phlegm production. Most colds are caused by respiratory viral infections, so taking antiviral medications can be very effective. If the cold and phlegm persist, be aware of the possibility of a secondary bacterial infection, which, if present, may require antibiotic treatment. (Note: Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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What should I do if I catch a cold during my menstrual period?

During menstruation, if cold symptoms occur and are mild, it is not recommended to use medication. Instead, drinking more warm water and resting is advisable. If the cold is severe, it is better to use traditional Chinese medicine with no side effects under the guidance of a doctor, as the body is weak and has lower immunity during menstruation, making it prone to colds. During menstruation, keep warm, avoid cold and chilling stimuli, eat a light diet with a balanced mix of meat and vegetables, avoid vigorous exercise, and maintain personal hygiene.

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Can I eat persimmons when I have a cold with a stuffy nose?

The common cold is a very common upper respiratory infection, with many and complex factors causing upper respiratory infections in clinical practice. Therefore, patients often present with symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, fever, itchy throat, and cough. For patients experiencing severe nasal congestion, it is permissible to eat persimmons. Persimmons have a high nutritional value, containing a large amount of nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin B that the body needs. They also contain other trace elements. Therefore, it is suitable for cold patients with nasal congestion to eat persimmons. Additionally, patients can also appropriately consume other fruits like apples, pears, loquats, and water chestnuts.