What should I do about nasal congestion from a summer cold?

Written by Han Shun Li

Pulmonology

Updated on January 20, 2025

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There is currently no specific effective medication for colds. If the symptoms are mild, no special treatment is required, and they will improve on their own in a few days. However, if nasal congestion is severe, one option is to use compound cold medicine, or directly use drugs that can constrict the blood vessels in the nasal mucosa, such as certain drops, to alleviate the symptoms of nasal congestion. If nasal congestion is caused by excessive nasal discharge, then the nasal discharge should be cleaned promptly to relieve the symptoms.

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Written by Li Jian Wu

Pulmonology

43sec

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Changes in cold symptoms

The symptoms and changes of a cold are primarily determined by the infecting virus. Clinically, it is mainly divided into the common cold and influenza. The common cold is mainly caused by infections of rhinovirus, adenovirus, and pharyngovirus, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, and sore throat. The other type of cold refers to influenza, which is caused by influenza virus or parainfluenza virus infections, primarily manifested by muscle soreness in the limbs, fatigue, sore throat, and compared to the common cold, the ear, nose, and throat symptoms are relatively mild.

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Written by Qiu Xin Hui

Traditional Chinese Medicine

50sec

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Can you eat watermelon when you have a cold caused by wind-cold?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is believed that the common cold caused by wind-cold primarily occurs when the body's resistance is weakened, and the body is exposed to the pathogenic influences of wind and cold. These influences then linger within the body producing a series of symptoms. To treat a cold caused by wind-cold, it is appropriate to take medicines that expel wind and dispel cold. This means using warm-natured medicines to regulate and cure the cold. Therefore, during this time, one should not eat watermelon. Watermelon has cooling properties, which can cause the wind-cold to remain within the body instead of being expelled, potentially worsening the symptoms of the cold. Hence, eating watermelon should be avoided when suffering from a wind-cold type of cold.

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Written by Zhang Lu

Obstetrics

59sec

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What should a pregnant woman do if she has a cold and fever?

It is common for pregnant women to experience colds and fevers during pregnancy, as it is unlikely that the 40-week pregnancy period will go smoothly without issues. Cold and fever are common symptoms during this time and how to handle them mainly depends on the severity of the condition: Firstly, for a common cold, if there is only mild fever with a temperature below 38.5°C, or symptoms like nasal congestion, nasal pain, or sore throat, it is generally not recommended to take any medication, as colds are self-limiting diseases, primarily recovering through the body's immune system. Secondly, if the cold symptoms are very severe, exhibiting high fever with a temperature above 38.5°C, or symptoms like thick phlegm, this may indicate the possibility of influenza or signs of pneumonia. In such cases, it is important to conduct a blood test and to use antibiotics for treatment.

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Written by Li Ying

Gastroenterology

53sec

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How to treat a stomach cold in winter.

Gastrointestinal colds are commonly seen in the transition between winter and spring or autumn and winter. If you feel discomfort in your gastrointestinal area during these times, it might be a gastrointestinal cold. In this case, it is suggested to take standard medications for stomach pain and diarrhea and also to drink plenty of water. A gastrointestinal cold generally causes a high fever, so if you have a fever, you can take some antipyretics to lower your body temperature. Additionally, it is important to rehydrate timely during diarrhea and to adjust your diet to include more fresh vegetables and fruits. Eat semi-solid foods like rice porridge and soup, and avoid greasy, spicy food. Avoid intense physical activities, rest more, and get plenty of sleep to allow your body to recover quickly.

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Written by Han Shun Li

Pulmonology

31sec

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Can you take a bath with a cold?

Colds are a common ailment in our daily lives, so can we take a bath after catching a cold? This situation requires specific analysis. If the symptoms of the cold are mild, such as just having a slight nasal congestion or sneezing, it is okay to take a bath, but it is advised to avoid catching a chill while bathing. However, if the symptoms of the cold are more severe, such as significant fever and headache, and the body is relatively weak, it is best not to take a bath in such cases to prevent symptoms like fainting.