Nasal congestion cold is which type of cold?

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on May 25, 2025
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Nasal congestion when catching a cold is a common symptom in daily life, mainly caused by viral infections due to exposure to cold. Common viruses include Coxsackievirus, influenza virus, and parainfluenza virus, all of which can lead to a cold. In addition to nasal congestion, patients with a cold usually also experience clear watery nasal discharge, sneezing, headache, fever, and fatigue among other clinical manifestations. When these symptoms occur, we can first complete a routine blood test and C-reactive protein test. A significant increase in the percentage of lymphocytes may be seen in patients with viral infections. Under the guidance of a physician, antiviral medications and symptomatic treatment drugs that clear the orifices can be used. The patient's symptoms can generally improve gradually within 5-7 days.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Can a cold cause vomiting?

The common cold is caused by a viral infection, often causing symptoms in the nasopharyngeal area, such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, fever, headaches, and so on. So, can a cold cause vomiting? Yes, a cold can cause vomiting. The symptoms mentioned earlier are typical of a cold. Some people may experience gastrointestinal symptoms during a cold, often referred to as a "stomach cold," which can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Therefore, sometimes cold sufferers may experience vomiting.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
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Types and Symptoms of the Common Cold

The types and symptoms of a cold mainly include the common cold and epidemic cold, based on the causes of the cold. The common cold has relatively mild symptoms, mainly showing nasal congestion, runny nose, dry throat, dry tongue, and sometimes fever and headache may also occur. Epidemic influenza, mainly caused by influenza or parainfluenza virus infection, typically presents with symptoms such as chills, body-wide muscle soreness, and fatigue. Compared to the common cold, symptoms like nasal congestion and runny nose are relatively mild, but the principles of treatment are the same.

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Written by Qiu Xin Hui
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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What to eat for a cold caused by wind-cold

Cold due to wind-cold primarily occurs when the body's resistance is weakened, and it is exposed to the pathogenic influence of wind-cold. This pathogenic influence remains inside the body and cannot be expelled promptly. Symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose with clear discharge, sneezing, headache, aversion to cold, and floating pulse may occur. At this time, it is necessary to take some food or medicine that dispels wind and cold, and releases the exterior to regulate the body. You may choose to drink ginger and brown sugar water; ginger has an excellent effect in dispersing wind-cold, and brown sugar can enhance the body's resistance. Drink it hot to induce a slight sweat, which can quickly improve the symptoms of a cold due to wind-cold. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How does a cold caused by wind-cold transform into a cold caused by wind-heat?

During a cold, wind-cold and wind-heat colds can transform into each other. The intertwining of cold and heat is common. Generally, in the treatment of a cold, whether it is a wind-cold or wind-heat, treatment should be symptomatic. As long as you take cold medicine that targets various symptoms, it can alleviate the symptoms. Normally, pay more attention to rest, eat more light fruits, and vegetables, do not overwork, do not stay up late, keep regular meals, and pay attention to adjusting your mindset.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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Can you eat chicken when you have a cold?

During the onset of a cold, it is not advisable to eat chicken as it might increase the burden on the stomach and intestines. This is due to the decreased digestive function during a cold, which may lead to symptoms of indigestion. Therefore, it is recommended to consume light, warm, and easily digestible food, drink plenty of water, and facilitate excretion during the illness phase. Eating less at this time won’t do harm. In the recovery phase, nutrition can be enhanced by introducing foods rich in high-quality protein and vitamins, including chicken, which helps in replenishing nutrients and strengthens the body to facilitate a faster recovery from the illness.