Symptoms of a cold in children

Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
Updated on June 25, 2025
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Children's colds, also known as acute upper respiratory infections, are acute inflammations of the upper respiratory tract caused by various pathogens. The primary symptoms of a child's cold are systemic symptoms, including fever, headache, general discomfort, and lack of energy. Some children may also experience a lack of appetite, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal symptoms, and even some children may have episodic pain around the navel without tenderness, possibly due to intestinal spasms caused by the cold. If there is persistent abdominal pain, it is necessary to consider whether the child has developed acute mesenteric lymphadenitis. Additionally, there are local symptoms, mainly characterized by nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and cough, which is mostly dry. There is also throat discomfort and sore throat.

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Written by Feng Hai Tao
Pediatrics
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Can a baby eat pumpkin when they have a cold?

Babies can definitely eat pumpkin during a cold, but here are a few things to note. First, adopt the method of eating small meals frequently to avoid overfeeding and overeating, which can lead to digestion problems or symptoms like diarrhea in babies. Second, pumpkin is rich in vitamins and carotene, it's visually appealing and tastes sweet. It can be used in various ways to nourish the baby, such as cooking it into porridge, blending it with rice or millet into a paste, or making pumpkin cakes. These methods not only enhance the baby’s appetite but also help in providing vitamins, energy, and aid in digestion and bowel movements. Third, during a cold, appropriately adding some tasty or favourite foods for the baby can help speed up the recovery from the illness.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
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Can I eat sea cucumber when I have a cold?

It is best not to eat sea cucumber during a cold, as it is considered a 'cold' food. Eating sea cucumber while having a cold can easily worsen the condition, and if there is an allergy to seafood, it may trigger an allergic reaction. During a cold, patients can eat some light fruits and vegetables, and it is generally not recommended to eat sea cucumber. During a cold, the body is relatively weak, and gastrointestinal function is not very good. Eating sea cucumber can lead to indigestion, which is not conducive to recovery from the cold. It is necessary to treat the cold with appropriate medication, and sea cucumber can be eaten after recovery.

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Written by Li Ying
Gastroenterology
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Symptoms of a stomach cold

The most common symptom of gastroenteritis is vomiting. The presence of pathogens irritates the stomach, causing it to contract and expel its contents. Secondly, diarrhea is a common symptom, primarily due to irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, which significantly increases secretions and affects absorption functions, leading to faster intestinal movements and resulting in loose stools. Thirdly, the increased intestinal movements can also lead to abdominal pain, along with the diarrhea.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
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Can you eat watermelon when you have a cold?

A cold, also commonly referred to as an upper respiratory tract infection, can generally be categorized into cold-natured and heat-natured types. If it occurs in winter, it is usually a cold-natured cold, and patients with this type are generally not recommended to eat watermelon. On the other hand, a heat-natured cold in summer typically presents symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, fever, headache, sore throat, coughing, and even coughing up yellow phlegm. Patients with such symptoms can eat watermelon, as it can not only hydrate the body but also cool it down and provide some essential nutrients, making it suitable for patients with a heat-natured cold.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
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Can babies eat eggs when they have a cold?

Babies with a cold should ideally avoid eating eggs, due to the following reasons: Firstly, a baby with a cold has reduced digestive functions, which might involve symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite. Consuming eggs under these conditions can be challenging because eggs contain a significant amount of fats, making them difficult to digest. This might exacerbate both the symptoms of the cold and of the digestive system. Secondly, during a cold, a baby's digestive function is compromised, and their body becomes more sensitive than usual. Eggs are among the most common allergens for infants and young children. Eating eggs during this time could potentially trigger related allergic reactions. Therefore, it is advisable not to give eggs to a baby during a cold.