What to eat for a child with a cold?

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on September 03, 2024
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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.

Other Voices

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Written by Li Jian Wu
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Can I eat sea cucumber when I have a cold?

It is best not to eat sea cucumber during a cold, as it is considered a 'cold' food. Eating sea cucumber while having a cold can easily worsen the condition, and if there is an allergy to seafood, it may trigger an allergic reaction. During a cold, patients can eat some light fruits and vegetables, and it is generally not recommended to eat sea cucumber. During a cold, the body is relatively weak, and gastrointestinal function is not very good. Eating sea cucumber can lead to indigestion, which is not conducive to recovery from the cold. It is necessary to treat the cold with appropriate medication, and sea cucumber can be eaten after recovery.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
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Why do legs ache when having a cold and fever?

If you experience leg pain or symptoms of sore limbs along with a cold and fever, it is evident that this is influenza, caused by a viral infection. Under a doctor's guidance, you can take corresponding antiviral medication for treatment. Influenza is typically marked by symptoms such as fever, sore limbs and weakness, and headaches. It is advisable to seek treatment under medical supervision. During treatment, it's important to stay warm, rest plenty, avoid overexertion, and prevent exposure to cold drafts to avoid worsening the condition. Additionally, drinking more water can boost metabolism and enhance your immune system. Appropriate exercise can also strengthen your physique. Moreover, consuming fruits rich in Vitamin C can boost immunity and facilitate cellular repair.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
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Summer colds: hot compress or cold compress?

Summer is a time when the weather is relatively hot, which often leads to heat-induced colds. Patients with this condition may experience varying degrees of fever. When the body temperature exceeds 38.5°C, local cold compresses are advisable, especially in areas like the armpits and groin. If the patient also experiences varying degrees of chills at this time, alcohol rub baths can be used for timely and effective fever reduction. Therefore, cold compresses are usually the method of choice for patients with summer colds, especially for infants and young children with high fever-induced convulsions. Applying cold compresses to the head can be more effective in reducing the temperature.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
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What should I do if I have a slight cold?

If you experience some symptoms of a cold, you shouldn't worry too much about it. A common cold usually heals on its own in about seven days, and it tends to resolve naturally. However, if you experience a cold accompanied by headaches, fever, coughing, phlegm, or sore throat, this could be more serious and might be due to a viral or bacterial infection. In such cases, under the guidance of a doctor, you can take appropriate anti-inflammatory or antiviral medications. It's also important to stay hydrated to boost metabolism and enhance the body’s immunity. Make sure to keep warm and avoid exposure to cold drafts. During a cold, avoid smoking and alcohol and cooperate actively with medical treatment. Additionally, maintaining a positive mood is crucial as stress can adversely affect recovery from illness.

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Can babies eat eggs when they have a cold?

Babies with a cold should ideally avoid eating eggs, due to the following reasons: Firstly, a baby with a cold has reduced digestive functions, which might involve symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite. Consuming eggs under these conditions can be challenging because eggs contain a significant amount of fats, making them difficult to digest. This might exacerbate both the symptoms of the cold and of the digestive system. Secondly, during a cold, a baby's digestive function is compromised, and their body becomes more sensitive than usual. Eggs are among the most common allergens for infants and young children. Eating eggs during this time could potentially trigger related allergic reactions. Therefore, it is advisable not to give eggs to a baby during a cold.