Which department should I go to for a stomach flu?

Written by Yang Chun Guang
Gastroenterology
Updated on May 11, 2025
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Gastroenteritis is mostly caused by improper diet leading to infections, resulting in symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea. Therefore, for gastroenteritis, one should register with the gastroenterology department. However, if the gastrointestinal symptoms are caused by a cold, then one should register with the respiratory department. It depends on the sequence of symptoms: if gastrointestinal symptoms appear first, registration should be with gastroenterology; if cold symptoms appear first followed by gastrointestinal complications, a registration with the respiratory department is possible. Yet, for resolving gastrointestinal symptoms, it is advisable to consult with the gastroenterology department as it is more appropriate.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Types and Symptoms of the Common Cold

The types and symptoms of colds can generally be divided into influenza and the common cold based on their causes, and there are certain differences in their symptoms. Influenza typically occurs during epidemic periods and shows classic symptoms such as sore limbs, fatigue, headache, nausea, and drowsiness. In contrast, the common cold typically features symptoms like clear nasal discharge, watery eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, dry mouth, and sore throat, but lacks the sore limbs symptom seen in influenza.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Does cold medicine hurt the stomach?

Cold medicines are harmful to the stomach because the drugs used to treat colds mainly involve symptomatic treatment and the selection of antiviral medications for etiological treatment. Colds often come with symptoms like headaches and fever, thus necessitating the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics. The most common adverse reactions to these drugs are gastrointestinal reactions. Therefore, taking cold medicines can easily harm the stomach, especially in patients with indigestion, chronic gastritis, or gastrointestinal ulcers, who may experience more pronounced symptoms. It is recommended to take cold medicines half an hour after eating to reduce their irritative effects on the gastrointestinal tract.

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Written by Long Guan Han
Pulmonology
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What should I do if my cold doesn't get better?

The common cold generally follows a process. Eighty percent of common colds start as viral colds, characterized by nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and other catarrhal symptoms. Generally, after three to five days, these catarrhal symptoms gradually disappear, as the virus is self-limiting. If the symptoms do not improve after three to five days and are accompanied by coughing, purulent sputum, and fever, it may have progressed to a bacterial cold, which requires antibiotic treatment. When we commonly refer to a persistent cold, we mainly refer to a cough. Some people might experience a cold for more than ten days, or repeatedly suffer from a dry cough. At this time, it's not that their cold hasn't healed; rather, it's because the respiratory tract has been damaged and needs time to recover. Typically, this kind of irritating dry cough without sputum generally lasts for a while.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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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.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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Can you eat shrimp with a cold?

When you have a cold, it is important to be cautious about what you eat. It is best to avoid eating shrimp as it is considered a stimulating food that can potentially worsen the symptoms of a cold. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid seafood like fish, shrimp, and crabs, which are also considered stimulating. Your diet should primarily be light, and you should consume foods rich in vitamins and fiber. Additionally, maintaining a positive mindset and not worrying too much are important. Furthermore, if the cold is severe, be sure to follow a doctor's guidance and cooperate with the medical treatment actively. Avoid spicy, greasy, raw, or irritant foods. Also, it is advisable not to consume items like chili peppers, black pepper, mustard, alcoholic beverages, strong tea, and coffee.