Types and Symptoms of the Common Cold

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on March 26, 2025
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The types and symptoms of colds can generally be divided into influenza and the common cold based on their causes, and there are certain differences in their symptoms. Influenza typically occurs during epidemic periods and shows classic symptoms such as sore limbs, fatigue, headache, nausea, and drowsiness. In contrast, the common cold typically features symptoms like clear nasal discharge, watery eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, dry mouth, and sore throat, but lacks the sore limbs symptom seen in influenza.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How long does it take to recover from a cold and fever?

If medication is not used, the general course of the illness is about three to seven days. With medical intervention, recovery can generally be achieved in one to three days. If the fever exceeds 38.5°C, it is advisable to take measures to reduce fever to prevent complications such as febrile convulsions. Physical methods can be used to reduce fever. Fever can also be treated with oral antipyretics. During the treatment period, it is advisable to eat light meals, avoid staying up late, and avoid consuming large portions of meat and fish.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How to distinguish between bacterial cold and viral cold

Bacterial colds and viral colds can be distinguished by a complete blood count. A viral cold, generally caused by a viral infection, is characterized by symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and mild fever. Bacterial colds, on the other hand, often present with chills and high fever, sore throat, and pus in the tonsils. In viral colds, lymphocyte counts are elevated, and there is no significant increase, or no increase, in the total white blood cell count. Bacterial colds show an increase in white blood cells and neutrophils.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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How to treat cold and dizziness during pregnancy?

Due to decreased immunity during pregnancy, women are particularly susceptible to infections from external microbes, leading to respiratory illnesses such as the common cold. The cold can cause symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing, which can reduce the amount of oxygen inhaled. As the brain's demand for oxygen cannot be met, this can result in symptoms of dizziness. Since pregnant women cannot use medications due to the development of the fetus within, if dizziness occurs due to a cold during pregnancy, one can inhale some oxygen as a remedy. Additionally, using a hot towel on the nose to improve breathing can also help alleviate symptoms of dizziness.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How to control some signs of a cold?

To control early signs of a cold, first and foremost pay attention to adjusting your lifestyle and diet. Avoid staying up late and overworking, opt for bland, soft, and easily digestible foods, abstain from smoking and alcohol, and avoid eating meat. Consume more fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins, ensure sufficient and good quality sleep, and drink more ginger sugar water or scallion white broth. These can warm the body and disperse cold, aiding in the recovery from a cold. Additionally, measure your temperature twice daily to check for any signs of fever, and treat the symptoms accordingly.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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What should I do if I have a cold, headache, and vomiting?

After catching a cold, various respiratory symptoms can occur, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, sore throat, etc. However, there is also a category of patients who, particularly after a viral cold, may exhibit symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, and even abdominal pain and diarrhea. These patients are referred to as having a "gastrointestinal cold." Like the common cold, a gastrointestinal cold is also caused by respiratory virus infections. Therefore, there are no special medications required for treatment; general over-the-counter cold medicines are sufficient. If there is severe vomiting, some antiemetic medication may be used, and drinking some cola boiled with ginger can also be very effective in treating the headaches and vomiting.