Can I eat watermelon if I have a cold and cough?

Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
Updated on November 17, 2024
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When suffering from a cold and cough, it is appropriate to eat some watermelon as it contains a lot of water which can help replenish the fluids the body needs. It also has a soothing effect on the throat. However, be careful not to eat too much because watermelon has a high sugar content. Excessive sugar intake can exacerbate coughing by increasing phlegm. Additionally, watermelon has cooling properties, so consuming too much can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. Patients with weak spleen and stomach, already having frail gastrointestinal systems, may experience discomfort from consuming too much watermelon. It is recommended to eat moderate amounts and maintain a light diet, drink plenty of water, and consume more fruits like apples, pears, or grapefruits which are more suitable. It is crucial to actively cooperate with medical treatment during a cold and cough to alleviate symptoms.

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How long will the symptoms of a cold last?

The duration of cold symptoms varies depending on individual constitution and the type of cold. Generally, a common cold may take three to five days to recover, while influenza could require five to ten days. The specific duration depends on the quantity of the virus and the body's immune capacity. Both influenza and the common cold are viral infections that cause illness, and there are some differences in symptoms. However, the treatment plans are the same, focusing on symptomatic treatment, complemented by antiviral medication, with recommendations to drink plenty of water, rest, and boost metabolism.

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Symptoms of a heat cold

Heat colds are very common clinically and often occur in the hot summer. The so-called heat cold is mainly from the perspective of Chinese medicine, which divides cold types into heat colds and cold colds. Typically, patients with a heat cold exhibit symptoms such as fever and chills, and during the fever, they may experience headaches and fatigue in their limbs. Some patients may also have nasal congestion, a runny nose, sneezing, often with yellow mucus, as well as sore throat and cough, where the cough usually involves yellow phlegm. These are very common symptoms of a heat cold seen clinically. Therefore, when these symptoms appear in patients, as long as a timely and clear diagnosis is made and some heat-clearing and detoxifying medicines are administered for symptomatic treatment, the discomfort caused by the heat cold can generally be quickly improved.

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What to drink for a cold with fever?

For heat colds, one should initially drink more mung bean soup, which can act as a heat reliever. Medications like Huoxiang Zhengqi Water can also be taken to alleviate discomfort. Avoid long-term exposure to high temperatures in work and life, and ensure indoor air is well-ventilated and disinfected. Appropriate consumption of green tea, jasmine tea, etc., can also assist in the treatment of heat colds. At the same time, measure body temperature and treat symptoms accordingly based on clinical signs. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.)

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How many days does it usually take for a fever to subside from a cold?

A cold, if accompanied by a fever, is mostly caused by bacterial or viral infections. Under the guidance of a doctor, active symptomatic treatment can usually reduce the fever within two to three days. It is recommended that during the fever period, one should monitor the body temperature closely. If the temperature exceeds 38.5°C, fever-reducing medication should be taken immediately to achieve the purpose of reducing the fever, to avoid febrile convulsions, especially in infants and young children whose nervous systems are not yet fully developed. If a high fever is not treated promptly, it could likely lead to febrile convulsions and may have a certain impact on the child's health. Therefore, it is advised to take fever-reducing medication in a timely manner. If the body temperature is below 38.5°C, physical cooling methods can be used at this time. Let the baby or the patient drink more water to promote excretion and enhance their resistance. Physical cooling methods should also be used regularly.

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Is a baby more likely to catch a cold if they are deficient in zinc?

Babies with zinc deficiency are prone to catching colds, as zinc is an important trace element in the human body. When zinc is deficient, it significantly impacts the baby’s immune system, making them susceptible to catching colds, repeatedly suffering from respiratory infections, and experiencing a prolonged duration of illness. Zinc plays a critical physiological role in the growth and development of the human body, regulates the development of the immune system, and is crucial for sexual maturation. Besides causing repeated respiratory infections, zinc deficiency can also lead to stunted growth and development. Zinc-deficient babies are noticeably shorter and weigh less than their peers, potentially leading to poor appetite, anorexia, and even pica, a condition where children may crave non-food items like paper, soil, or coal slag. Zinc-deficient children are also prone to various types of dermatitis, such as mouth ulcers, glossitis, and various skin diseases. In severe cases of zinc deficiency, it can lead to delayed development of secondary sexual characteristics.