How to treat colds and flu

Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Updated on December 17, 2024
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Wind-cold common cold is often caused by the invasion of pathogenic wind-cold. Sometimes it can also occur due to fatigue, coupled with exposure to wind and chill, and it usually happens more often in autumn and winter. In fact, it may sometimes be accompanied by body aches, runny nose, nasal congestion, and cough with phlegm. If not treated timely, it might lead to infections such as acute sinusitis. If the condition is severe, it is best to visit a hospital for face-to-face consultation with a doctor for timely treatment to avoid delaying the illness. It is important to rest regularly, engage in more physical activities to boost the immune system, and get some sunlight to also enhance immunity. Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, consuming less greasy and fried foods, abstaining from smoking and alcohol, and developing good dietary habits can effectively prevent such conditions.

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Written by Guo Xiao Yun
Pulmonology
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Is a sore throat caused by a cold with wind-cold or a cold with wind-heat?

Sore throat may be caused by a cold due to wind-cold or wind-heat, which are terms used in traditional Chinese medicine. However, from a Western medicine perspective, both wind-cold and wind-heat colds are caused by viral infections, and in rare cases, bacterial infections. When bacteria or viruses invade the respiratory tract's mucous membranes, especially the mucous membranes of the throat, it leads to congestion and swelling of the throat mucosa, increased exudation of inflammatory secretions, resulting in symptoms such as sore throat, throat discomfort, and coughing up phlegm. Therefore, a sore throat could be due to a cold caused by wind-cold or wind-heat. In such cases, it is appropriate to take some anti-cold medications or some Chinese patent medicines to alleviate the symptoms.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What should I do if I have a cold and my nose is itchy?

Itchy nose due to cold is caused by viral infection leading to swelling of the nasal mucosa, which causes symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing. One should choose to take vitamin supplements and drugs that suppress gland secretion for symptomatic treatment. It is also recommended to drink plenty of hot water and maintain a suitable indoor temperature and humidity. Dietary considerations should include avoiding spicy foods like chili peppers, seafood, overly sour, cold, or spicy foods. During the acute phase, under the guidance of a doctor, one may choose to take vitamin C tablets, cetirizine hydrochloride dispersible tablets for symptomatic treatment. If accompanied by fever symptoms with a body temperature above 38 degrees Celsius, acetaminophen tablets can be taken for fever reduction. The main principle of treatment is symptomatic treatment, drinking plenty of water, and it may also be combined with antiviral medication therapy.

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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 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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Is a cough with phlegm due to a cold caused by wind-cold or wind-heat?

Coughing is a very common symptom among patients, with numerous and complex triggering factors. Determining the specific cause of a cough requires analyzing the nature of the cough, such as whether it is productive or dry, and considering other related clinical manifestations. Clinically, symptoms can help distinguish whether a cough is caused by a cold due to wind-cold or wind-heat. Typically, colds due to wind-cold often occur in winter. Symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itchy throat, varying degrees of fever, and primarily a dry cough. Conversely, colds due to wind-heat are more common in summer and are accompanied by more pronounced general symptoms. These include sore throat, fever, chills, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. Thus, simply having a productive cough does not confirm whether it is due to a wind-cold or wind-heat cold. If the cough produces yellow phlegm and occurs in summer, it generally indicates a wind-heat cold.