How to relieve a cold and cough

Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
Updated on February 26, 2025
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The common cold is caused by typical viruses or bacteria that infect the upper respiratory tract. Following a cold, the airways can become inflamed, leading to the secretion of mucus, consequently causing symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and phlegm production. Currently, many multi-ingredient cold medications on the market not only treat cold symptoms such as runny nose and nasal congestion but also effectively alleviate coughs caused by the cold. For example, medications like Phenol Anisamine Methylamine tablets and Acetaminophen Codeine tablets effectively treat coughs induced by the common cold. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Can you exercise when you have a cold in the summer?

Generally speaking, it is not advisable to exercise after catching a cold; it is usually recommended to rest instead. This is because after catching a cold, a person's immune system is often weakened, commonly accompanied by symptoms like fatigue, tiredness, and decreased appetite. If one exercises during this time, it will inevitably increase the body's consumption, further reducing the body's resistance, weakening the body even more, and hindering the recovery from the illness. Moreover, exercise increases lung capacity, leading to a higher volume of air passing through the airways, which can aggravate symptoms such as throat discomfort and cough associated with a cold. From this perspective, it is also unsuitable to exercise.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
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What is the temperature of a fever caused by a cold?

Colds are very common clinically, and due to different types of colds, patients exhibit varying clinical symptoms. Typically, febrile colds often occur in the summer. The specific fever temperature varies from person to person. Some patients with febrile colds may not develop a fever at all, while others may experience high fevers accompanied by symptoms like chills and other clinical discomforts. Therefore, the specific temperature of a febrile cold is determined by each patient's individual condition. In cases where the resistance is relatively good, it is common for some patients to have a mild infection and not develop a fever, while others might have a fever around 39°C or even higher.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
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What is the best treatment for a mild cold?

Minor colds generally do not require medication. If your resistance is normal, adjusting your diet and ensuring proper rest usually allows for natural recovery. In terms of diet, it's important to avoid overly greasy, high-calorie foods, prevent overeating, maintain indoor air cleanliness, drink more ginger tea, avoid staying up late, take your temperature twice daily, and consume fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C, such as kiwi, tomatoes, dragon fruit, and mango. Typically, recovery occurs within three to seven days.

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Written by Han Shun Li
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Quick relief for sore throat due to cold

We know that the common cold is caused by a viral infection, and currently, there are no specifically effective drugs for treatment. After experiencing a cold and sore throat, the following measures can help alleviate symptoms quickly. First, it is important to rest, avoid getting chilled, drink plenty of water, and eat light meals. Avoid spicy and irritating foods, and refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol, as these are beneficial for recovery. Secondly, medications can be used to reduce symptoms. For example, compound cold medicines, antipyretic analgesics, and some traditional Chinese medicine lozenges or patent medicines can be used to relieve symptoms.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
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Can you donate blood if you have a cold?

You cannot donate blood when you have a cold, as colds are mostly caused by bacterial or viral infections, and donations are not allowed during this time. Before donating blood, a series of tests are required, and donation is not allowed when you are sick. Additionally, your immune system is generally weaker when you have a cold. Donating blood at this time could worsen the symptoms of the cold. After donating, your immunity could be even lower, making your body weaker, thus hindering the recovery from the cold. Therefore, you should not donate blood while having a cold. Wait until at least half a month after the symptoms have subsided before donating blood. Furthermore, you should eat lightly, avoiding spicy, greasy, raw, or irritating foods. Before donating blood, you should avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and staying up late to ensure you get enough sleep and boost your immunity.