Is nasal congestion the same as having a cold?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on October 21, 2024
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Nasal congestion is not necessarily a cold. Cold medicine has many symptoms, with nasal congestion being one of them. However, there could be more reasons for nasal congestion. A cold is just one factor causing nasal congestion. Other reasons might include chronic rhinitis, acute rhinitis, sinusitis, deviated nasal septum, and nasal polyps. Often, these conditions are primarily due to pathological changes in the nose itself. Therefore, it is recommended to visit an otolaryngology clinic, particularly for persistent nasal congestion, and consider undergoing a nasopharyngoscopy. If needed, a sinus CT may also be considered, along with symptom assessment and additional diagnostic tests, to make a more comprehensive and accurate evaluation.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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What to eat for a child with a cold?

If a child's cold is considered to be caused by a viral infection, it is important to monitor the baby's temperature and mental response, among other factors. If the child does not have a fever, or only has a low fever and is in good spirits, simply monitoring the baby’s condition and ensuring they drink plenty of warm water and eat light, easily digestible foods is sufficient, with no other special requirements needed. However, some colds, such as those with persistent high fever, lethargy, and poor responsiveness, are more serious and require immediate attention. It is crucial to visit the hospital for further diagnosis and treatment in these cases. Sometimes, the impact of a cold should not be underestimated, as diseases like myocarditis and intracranial infections can initially be triggered by a cold. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis is necessary to make a judgement, and treatment should proceed under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Feng Hai Tao
Pediatrics
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Can a baby eat pumpkin when they have a cold?

Babies can definitely eat pumpkin during a cold, but here are a few things to note. First, adopt the method of eating small meals frequently to avoid overfeeding and overeating, which can lead to digestion problems or symptoms like diarrhea in babies. Second, pumpkin is rich in vitamins and carotene, it's visually appealing and tastes sweet. It can be used in various ways to nourish the baby, such as cooking it into porridge, blending it with rice or millet into a paste, or making pumpkin cakes. These methods not only enhance the baby’s appetite but also help in providing vitamins, energy, and aid in digestion and bowel movements. Third, during a cold, appropriately adding some tasty or favourite foods for the baby can help speed up the recovery from the illness.

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Written by Feng Hai Tao
Pediatrics
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How to take care of a child with a cold

How to take care of a child during a cold? First, it is essential to ensure that the child rests in bed. Provide the child with plentiful water, offering small amounts frequently. If the child does not want to drink water, you can appropriately add some juice or glucose water. Also, monitor the temperature changes, generally measuring the temperature under the armpit. Second, it is crucial to keep windows open for ventilation at home, avoiding too cold or too hot environments, as neither is conducive to the child’s recovery from illness. Third, based on the changes in temperature, adjust the child’s clothing accordingly but avoid dressing the child too warmly or covering too thickly, as this can hinder heat dissipation. This is not only detrimental to the child’s recovery but can also exacerbate the illness and potentially lead to heat rash. Fourth, if the child sweats excessively, be sure to wipe the sweat timely and change their clothes. Fifth, in terms of diet, adopt a strategy of small, frequent meals that are light and easy to digest. The child should avoid eating fish, shrimp, spicy, and other stimulating foods. If the child has poor appetite or indigestion, do not force-feed them. Instead, frequently massage their abdomen, and if necessary, administer oral medication to aid digestion. Sixth, ensure adequate caloric intake and that the child urinates frequently and has regular bowel movements. Seventh, actively apply symptomatic treatment for the child and avoid the misuse of antibiotics. If the temperature persists for more than three days or if the condition worsens, it is imperative to visit the hospital promptly to avoid delaying the child's condition.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What are the symptoms of a stomach cold?

Gastrointestinal flu is quite common in clinical practice, primarily characterized by discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract and symptoms of a cold. Patients may experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, and may also exhibit fever and cough. Gastrointestinal flu is mostly caused by rotavirus infection and is more common in the summer and autumn seasons. Irregular eating habits and rest patterns can easily trigger it. The main treatment involves using anti-cold medication symptomatically as well as medication to regulate the gastrointestinal tract. During treatment, it is crucial to maintain regular eating habits, rest adequately, drink plenty of water, and ensure proper hydration. Gastrointestinal flu can also lead to dehydration, which must be carefully monitored.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Symptoms of gastroenteritis

Gastrointestinal flu is caused by a viral infection, commonly seen in the summer and fall seasons, and its symptoms often include those of both upper respiratory tract infections and acute gastroenteritis. Symptoms of upper respiratory infection include fever, chills, dizziness, headache, fatigue, general muscle pain, sore throat, cough, etc.; symptoms of acute gastroenteritis are vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, etc., often presenting as watery stools. This disease can be diagnosed through routine blood tests and stool exams, which help distinguish it from bacterial infections causing diarrhea. Treatment typically involves oral antiviral medications and anti-diarrheal drugs.