Cold symptoms include swelling of the face and eyes.

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on May 10, 2025
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Swelling of the eyes caused by a cold may be due to increased mucosal edema and secretions in the eyes, or it might be due to a secondary bacterial infection causing conditions such as eyelid inflammation or conjunctivitis. If there is eye swelling accompanied by purulent secretions, it is considered to be caused by inflammatory irritation. Topical use of rifampin eye drops or erythromycin ointment can be applied for anti-inflammatory treatment. If there is simply swelling and tearing without redness of the eyes, it may be due to increased glandular secretions caused by the cold, and medications that suppress glandular secretion along with vitamin supplements can be taken for symptomatic treatment. Drink plenty of water, rest more, and promote metabolism. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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Can babies take medicine when they have a cold?

Babies can certainly take medicine when they have a cold. However, if the symptoms are mild and the general condition is good, and the baby can eat and sleep well, it might not be necessary to medicate. It's important to pay close attention and there might be a possibility of natural recovery without medication. If the symptoms of the cold are severe, it is necessary to take medicine, because if it is not controlled in time, it may lead to new infections. For example, a secondary bacterial infection could develop, and there is also a possibility that a cold in the upper respiratory tract could progress to the lower respiratory tract and cause pneumonia, which poses a significant risk. When choosing medications, we generally need to opt for those safe for infants, and avoid any medications contraindicated for infants. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Wei Peng
Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
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Can I eat crab after taking cold medicine if I have a cold?

After catching a cold and taking cold medicine, it is best not to eat crabs. After a cold, due to the influence of the virus itself, gastrointestinal function may be impaired; thus, eating crabs at this time is not conducive to digestion. Furthermore, if you take cold medicine after a cold, these medications may also have adverse reactions with crabs. Since crabs are considered to have a cooling effect, they might react with certain Chinese medicines. Therefore, it is advised not to consume crabs and other seafood products after taking medicine for a cold. It is better to opt for simple home-cooked meals or easily digestible foods, which can aid in digestion and not interfere with the normal absorption of the medication.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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How many days does a baby usually have a cold and high fever?

If a baby has a cold and a high fever, it's generally hard to say how many days it will last. If infected by a virus or bacteria, the virulence and the body's immune function are both factors. If the viral strength is weak and the body's resistance is strong, with the appropriate use of medications, the fever can typically be controlled within one to three days. However, if the infection is due to stronger viruses or bacteria, such as the influenza virus, the common fever duration is around five to seven days, or even longer. So, for a common cold, the fever may last about three days, while influenza may last four to five days or even longer.

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Written by Zou Zhong Lan
Pulmonology
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The difference between viral and bacterial colds

The main differences between viral and bacterial colds are: First, the pathogens are different. Viral colds are primarily caused by viruses, while bacterial colds are mainly caused by bacterial infections. Second, the characteristics of contagion differ. Viral colds generally have stronger contagiousness, such as influenza, which has distinct characteristics of outbreaks and often occurs seasonally in spring and winter, with a sudden onset. Bacterial colds are less contagious and typically occur sporadically. Third, the symptoms differ. Generally, viral colds mainly present symptoms of nasal congestion, runny nose, and other upper respiratory catarrhal symptoms. Bacterial colds mainly present with fever, sore throat, tonsillitis, and other symptoms. Fourth, in terms of examinations, a typical hemogram for viral colds usually shows normal or low white blood cells, with an increase in lymphocytes, while bacterial colds often show an increase in white blood cells or neutrophils. Fifth, the treatment approaches differ. Treatment for viral colds primarily includes antiviral therapy, nutritional support, ventilation, and hydration. Bacterial colds are mainly treated with antibiotics and anti-infection therapies.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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What foods can you eat when you have a cold and a fever?

Generally, when experiencing a cold or fever, it is important to focus on eating light and easily digestible foods. This is because our gastrointestinal function tends to decline during the cold and fever stages. Consuming spicy, greasy, and indigestible foods at this time may add extra burden to the stomach and intestines, leading to indigestion. Additionally, there might be symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, or even diarrhea. Therefore, it is advisable to consume warm, well-cooked foods such as porridge, millet porridge, vegetable porridge, noodles, or dishes like wonton soup, vegetable soup, and dragon whisker noodles. Moreover, it is essential to drink plenty of water during a fever to promote metabolism and enhance the body's resistance. It is also appropriate to eat some fresh fruits and vegetables to replenish vitamins. Vitamin C can help boost metabolism and aid cellular repair, which is significantly helpful in recovering from colds and fevers. At the same time, it is recommended to maintain a positive mood, and if the body temperature exceeds 38.5℃, it is important to take antipyretic medicine promptly.