How to alleviate the symptoms of a cold?

Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
Updated on February 13, 2025
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Cold refers to the condition where the upper respiratory tract is infected by various pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, mycoplasma, and chlamydia, leading to symptoms primarily in the upper respiratory tract, which is called a cold. Generally, the symptoms of a cold mainly include a runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, chills, fever, cough, and painful throat. In addition, there may be symptoms like chest tightness and shortness of breath. As it stands, the symptoms of a cold are self-limiting, meaning they can generally improve within seven to ten days without medical treatment. During a cold, due to frequent symptoms and impact on daily life, it is possible to treat with common cold medicines. Currently, Western medicines available on the market can treat cold symptoms. Furthermore, drinking some brown sugar ginger tea to induce sweating can also provide relief. (Please use medication rationally under the guidance of a professional doctor, and do not use medication blindly.)

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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How to treat colds and flu

Wind-cold common cold is often caused by the invasion of pathogenic wind-cold. Sometimes it can also occur due to fatigue, coupled with exposure to wind and chill, and it usually happens more often in autumn and winter. In fact, it may sometimes be accompanied by body aches, runny nose, nasal congestion, and cough with phlegm. If not treated timely, it might lead to infections such as acute sinusitis. If the condition is severe, it is best to visit a hospital for face-to-face consultation with a doctor for timely treatment to avoid delaying the illness. It is important to rest regularly, engage in more physical activities to boost the immune system, and get some sunlight to also enhance immunity. Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, consuming less greasy and fried foods, abstaining from smoking and alcohol, and developing good dietary habits can effectively prevent such conditions.

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Written by Guo Xiao Yun
Pulmonology
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Can I drink milk when I have a cold?

During a cold, it is okay to drink milk because milk contains abundant proteins, various trace elements, and minerals that can supplement the body's nutrition, boost the immune system, and facilitate recovery from the cold. However, during a cold, it is advised not to drink cold milk but to drink warm milk instead, as gastrointestinal function is also weakened during a cold. Drinking cold milk might irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. Moreover, it is important not to drink excessive amounts of milk during a cold. Drinking a moderate amount of milk is acceptable, as too much milk can increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract. Besides drinking milk, consuming fresh vegetables and fruits and drinking plenty of warm water can also help speed up recovery from a cold.

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Written by Qiu Xin Hui
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Is it okay to drink ginger soup for a cold caused by excessive internal heat?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, a cold caused by excessive internal heat is generally considered to occur when the body's resistance is low, and it is exposed to pathogenic wind-heat. At this time, it is necessary to take some pungent and cooling herbs to adjust the body. Ginger or ginger soup is not suitable in this case because its nature tends towards heat, and it has the effect of expelling wind and dispelling cold, which is suitable for colds caused by exposure to cold elements. For a cold caused by excessive internal heat, it is appropriate to drink some honeysuckle and chrysanthemum tea, as this can treat the condition. At the same time, attention should also be paid to diet, which should be as bland as possible, avoiding spicy, dry, irritating, and heat-inducing foods.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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What is the difference between viral cold and wind-heat cold?

The distinction between viral influenza and wind-heat cold is mainly the different naming conventions used by two different medical systems for the common cold. Viral influenza is a term used in modern medicine to describe a viral infection. In contrast, wind-heat cold is a term used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for a type of cold that occurs after being affected by a pathogenic heat. These two terms are completely different. The pathogen of viral influenza is primarily caused by a viral infection. On the other hand, wind-heat cold is diagnosed based on symptoms, suggesting that the individual might have been affected by pathogenic heat, or has internal heat, leading to the condition. Therefore, generally, viral influenza is not treated with traditional Chinese medicine. Wind-heat cold, conversely, is not treated with Western medicine. So, if diagnosed with viral influenza, one would typically take some antiviral medications along with Western cold medicines. If diagnosed with wind-heat cold by a TCM practitioner, some appropriate heat-clearing and detoxifying Chinese medicines would be prescribed. These represent two distinct medical systems with their unique diagnostic labels for the illness.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
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What should I do if a cold and fever persist?

It is necessary to take corresponding interventions based on the degree of fever to prevent complications such as high fever convulsions and coma. Firstly, drink more water and rest more. You can wipe your palms, feet, neck, and inner thighs—areas where major blood vessels pass—with warm water or alcohol, which can help restore body temperature. You can also use a cool towel or ice packs to compress the forehead, which can protect brain cells and be effective. Along with taking antipyretic and analgesic drugs for symptomatic treatment, re-measure the temperature after two hours.