Is bacterial cold serious?

Written by An Yong Peng
Pulmonology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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Bacterial colds are generally not severe and typically manifest symptoms such as sore throat and fever. Active anti-infection treatment is necessary, along with adjunctive non-pharmacological measures like a light diet and adequate hydration, which usually help control the condition. However, it is important to note that even bacterial colds require standardized treatment, as neglecting this can increase the risk of complications such as pneumonia. Additionally, in pediatric patients, bacterial colds caused by streptococcal infections can lead to severe complications like nephritis. Therefore, more aggressive treatment is crucial for children with bacterial colds to avoid delaying treatment and preventing potential complications.

Other Voices

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Written by Luo Chun Yan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does bacterial vaginitis have anything to do with condoms?

Bacterial vaginosis is somewhat related to the use of condoms. Using condoms for contraception can, to some extent, prevent bacterial vaginosis because it is caused by the disruption of the vaginal microecological balance, resulting in an increased vaginal pH and a mixed infection. The entry of semen into the female body can raise the vaginal pH and disrupt the vaginal microecological balance, thus making bacterial vaginosis more likely to occur. However, when a condom is used, semen does not enter the vagina, which means that it does not alter the vaginal pH balance. Therefore, to a certain extent, it can prevent bacterial vaginosis and also protect against some sexually transmitted diseases. Bacterial vaginosis can lead to an increase in vaginal discharge, and the discharge may have a characteristic fishy odor, which can cause endometritis and pelvic inflammatory disease. Thus, using condoms for contraception can, to a certain extent, prevent bacterial vaginosis.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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How is bacterial pneumonia treated?

Bacterial pneumonia is a common respiratory disease. After contracting it, patients often experience fever, coughing, chest pain, and chest tightness. Lung imaging can reveal exudative shadows in the lungs. So, how should bacterial pneumonia be treated? The first step is to use antibiotics to which the bacteria are sensitive, commonly including penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, and fluoroquinolones. Additionally, symptomatic treatment is employed, such as antipyretic analgesics for fever, cough suppressants if there is little sputum, and expectorants for thick and sticky sputum.

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Written by Luo Chun Yan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Has bacterial vaginitis that doesn't smell gone away?

Bacterial vaginosis often does not have an abnormal smell when it is likely improving. Bacterial vaginosis occurs due to a change in the pH level of the vagina, which disrupts the microecological balance, leading to mixed infections. These infections can result in an increase in vaginal discharge and itching in the vulva, although these symptoms are often not very obvious. However, a fishy odor of the discharge is a typical characteristic of this condition. After treatment for bacterial vaginosis, the disappearance of the unpleasant fishy smell indicates a significant improvement in symptoms. The primary treatment for bacterial vaginosis involves local medication in the vagina or oral medication, mainly using metronidazole. It is crucial to treat bacterial vaginosis promptly to prevent complications such as endometritis and pelvic inflammatory disease, which can affect women's reproductive and overall health.

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Written by Ding Ying Bo
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does bacterial vaginitis affect menstruation?

Most bacterial vaginitis has no significant effect on menstruation. Because when women have bacterial vaginitis, it does not affect the ovarian secretion of estrogen, so it does not affect menstruation. Sometimes women develop bacterial vaginitis before menstruation and choose vaginal medication. Because the endometrial lining is relatively thick and menstruation is approaching, local medication may cause irritation, leading to the shedding of the endometrium. This is caused by local medication stimulation, not by affecting women's menstruation. Most cases of bacterial vaginitis are likely to recur after menstruation is over, so it is recommended that women undergo consolidation treatment for bacterial vaginitis after their periods are clean. In some women with bacterial vaginitis, particularly those with poor immunity, it might lead to acute cervicitis, and potentially further develop into endometritis. These conditions may cause women to experience prolonged menstrual bleeding, although this is relatively rare.

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Written by He Jing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can bacterial vaginitis be treated during menstruation?

Bacterial vaginitis can only be treated with oral metronidazole during menstruation, and external genitalia can be cleaned with a wash, but vaginal suppositories cannot be used during bleeding periods to avoid causing infections. However, the standard treatment for bacterial vaginitis is recommended to better start after the menstruation ends. At that time, you can choose the appropriate external washes and vaginal suppositories for combined treatment, which will be more effective. During the treatment, avoid intercourse, frequently change underwear, maintain genital hygiene, avoid wearing tight clothing, consume fresh vegetables and fruits, exercise more, and enhance resistance.