The Principle of Sore Throat from a Cold

Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
Updated on February 13, 2025
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A cold generally can cause symptoms of sore throat, due to conditions like pharyngitis or tonsillitis triggered by the cold. Typically, the illness lasts about five to seven days, partly due to a decrease in immune strength, which is somewhat related to the low resistance. During this time, it is important to rest sufficiently, stay hydrated, and avoid excessive fatigue. In severe cases, it may also be necessary to use anti-inflammatory and anti-infection medications as well as cold remedies under a doctor's guidance to alleviate symptoms. Furthermore, if a sore throat occurs immediately with a cold, it might indicate chronic pharyngitis; it is advisable to use medications regularly and in the correct dosage under a doctor's guidance to prevent worsening of the condition. Additionally, drinking herbal teas that clear heat and detoxify can also provide some relief.

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Should you cover yourself with a thick blanket if you have a cold caused by wind-heat?

Generally, it is not advisable to cover oneself with heavy blankets when suffering from a wind-heat cold, as this type of cold is caused by externally contracted wind-heat, commonly occurring in the summer. Covering with heavy blankets after contracting a wind-heat cold may hinder the body's ability to dissipate heat, which is not conducive to the dispersion of body heat. If a wind-heat cold occurs during the autumn or winter seasons, it is acceptable to use blankets, otherwise, it may lead to the invasion of wind-cold, exacerbating the cold's condition and adversely affecting the treatment of the wind-heat cold. In daily life, one should pay attention to resting more and avoid eating raw, greasy, or strongly spicy foods; drinking more water; and consuming fresh fruits and vegetables.

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Symptoms of childhood cold and encephalitis

Some common symptoms of encephalitis secondary to a cold in children primarily include fever, usually moderate to high, though some may exhibit low fever. Next, symptoms such as headache, dizziness, primarily around the forehead, crown, or occipital region, may occur. This is followed by vomiting, which is generally more evident after eating or drinking, with some exhibiting persistent vomiting. Additionally, some may experience lethargy, weakness, or even seizures.

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Can you drink alcohol when you have a cold and a stuffy nose?

A cold, also known as an upper respiratory tract infection, causes patients to experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing due to the congestion and swelling of the nasal mucous membrane from viral or bacterial infection. Some patients may also experience fever and coughing. Therefore, for patients with upper respiratory tract infections, it is not advisable to consume alcohol. Alcohol, which is spicy and stimulating, could worsen cold symptoms. Alcohol promotes blood circulation and can exacerbate congestion and swelling of the nasal and pharyngeal mucous membranes. Consequently, drinking alcohol can intensify symptoms like nasal congestion. Thus, it is not recommended to drink alcohol when experiencing nasal congestion during a cold.

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Can you eat chestnuts during a cold?

During a cold, it is advisable to eat fewer chestnuts. Although chestnuts are rich in proteins, vitamins, and carbohydrates, and can provide the necessary substances for the body, especially high in carbohydrates, providing the body's energy, it is important to note that chestnuts are warm in nature. Eating too many during a cold can possibly induce symptoms of 'internal heat', leading even to sore throats, which is not conducive to alleviating the condition. Furthermore, during a cold, the patient’s digestive function generally declines, particularly in those with gastroenteric colds, who may also experience significant nausea, abdominal bloating and pain, diarrhea, etc. Consuming too many chestnuts at this time can potentially cause an increase in abdominal symptoms like bloating and nausea, which are not conducive to recovery and might worsen the patient's appetite. Therefore, during a cold, it is recommended to avoid spicy, stimulating, and hard-to-digest foods.

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How to cure a mild cold by yourself

For a minor cold, it is possible for it to heal on its own. In the case of a minor cold, it may not even be necessary to use medication. Simple daily care, such as maintaining a light diet, drinking more water, eating more fruits, and avoiding spicy, irritating, greasy, and raw cold foods, might suffice. Furthermore, it is important to ensure ample sleep and rest, avoid staying up late and overworking. Through these general approaches, the patient's cold may gradually recover on its own. However, it is important to note that even a minor cold can sometimes lead to complications like pneumonia. Therefore, even in cases of minor colds, it is advisable to monitor the condition. If cold symptoms persist or if there are signs of a bacterial infection, such as coughing up substantial amounts of purulent sputum, high fever, and other related conditions, it is necessary to visit a hospital in a timely manner to investigate the cause and receive appropriate treatment.