Changes in cold symptoms

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on March 20, 2025
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The symptoms and changes of a cold are primarily determined by the infecting virus. Clinically, it is mainly divided into the common cold and influenza. The common cold is mainly caused by infections of rhinovirus, adenovirus, and pharyngovirus, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, and sore throat. The other type of cold refers to influenza, which is caused by influenza virus or parainfluenza virus infections, primarily manifested by muscle soreness in the limbs, fatigue, sore throat, and compared to the common cold, the ear, nose, and throat symptoms are relatively mild.

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How many days does it take for a stomach cold to get better?

Gastroenteritis, also known as gastro flu, is caused by inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract which leads to a cold. This condition presents both gastrointestinal and cold symptoms, including nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, runny nose, and general weakness. The primary treatments involve using cold medications and antibiotics. Recovery usually occurs gradually over about a week. During the treatment period, it is crucial to follow a light diet, ensure proper nutrition, get plenty of rest, and drink additional water to stay hydrated.

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The difference between influenza and the common cold

Influenza, or the flu, is an epidemic caused by the influenza virus, often characterized by severe systemic symptoms such as chills, high fever, and body aches. However, the symptoms related to the nasal pharynx are relatively mild, such as light sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. The common cold, often referred to as a cold or rhinitis, is also caused by viral infection and can be caused by various viruses such as rhinovirus, coronavirus, adenovirus, influenza virus, and parainfluenza virus. The general systemic symptoms of the common cold are relatively mild, such as fever, headache, and chills. Symptoms related to the ears, nose, and throat are more pronounced, including distinct sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and throat discomfort.

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How to comfort a friend who has a cold and a headache?

First, it is necessary to provide psychological and emotional comfort, making them understand that the common cold is a frequent and ordinary illness in daily life. It often occurs when the body's immune system is weakened, leading to viral infections, which can cause symptoms such as fever and headache. It is important to avoid stress. At the same time, you should advise your friend to eat more fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin C to boost metabolism. Massaging acupressure points such as the temples, Hegu point, and Zusanli can also effectively relieve headache symptoms. Additionally, if there are symptoms of fever, appropriate measures should be taken to reduce the fever and treat the symptoms accordingly.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
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Catching a cold from air conditioning is considered what type of cold?

Due to different seasons, the temperature used for air conditioning also varies. Generally, in hot summers, if the air conditioning temperature is set too low, it can cause colds, which are considered cold-type colds. Clinically, patients with such colds might also experience fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itchy throat and dry cough, and even symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and headache due to fever. Therefore, even in hot weather like summer, it is advisable to set the air conditioning temperature to a moderate level to avoid colds. For colds caused by air conditioning, patients should definitely use some medications for symptomatic treatment, as they can usually be cured within about a week.

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Is it good for pregnant women to use moxibustion for a cold?

When pregnant women experience cold symptoms, they can use moxa fumigation. For example, if a woman has a cold, cough, or nasal congestion, moxibustion can be used to help relieve some symptoms. Moxa is purely herbal and harmless to the human body, and it has little effect on the baby. Moxa sticks can purify the air and sterilize, and clinically, they are mainly used to treat some chronic gynecological diseases. During pregnancy, moxa fumigation is possible, but it is not recommended to use moxibustion on the Hegu acupoint, as this point can easily cause uterine contractions. Additionally, try to avoid using moxa sticks on acupoints.