Does taking a bath help with a cold caused by excessive internal heat?

Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Updated on May 28, 2025
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Taking a bath after catching a cold, especially with cold water, is not effective and is generally not recommended as it can exacerbate the illness. It is advisable to use warm water if bathing is necessary, and not to bathe daily as this can also worsen the condition. It is best to treat a cold by taking medication, and dietary practices should avoid stimulating, greasy, and spicy foods. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of water, and frequent urination are recommended for effective relief. Additionally, it is important to ensure adequate rest and avoid staying up late.

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Symptoms of a stomach cold

The symptoms of gastroenteritis primarily manifest in two areas: symptoms of an upper respiratory infection and gastrointestinal symptoms. The symptoms of an upper respiratory infection mainly include dizziness, headache, fatigue, and fever. The main symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract are vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Furthermore, when vomiting and diarrhea are severe, it can lead to body dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, potentially causing symptoms of shock. This might present as general weakness, sweating, irregular heart rate, among other symptoms.

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The difference between influenza and the common cold

Influenza, also known as the flu, mainly occurs when the human body is invaded by influenza viruses, resulting in symptoms primarily of coughing, fever, and sore throat. Besides these symptoms, influenza can also present with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The body temperature of patients often exceeds 39°C or 40°C. On the other hand, the common cold is mostly caused by rhinoviruses, parainfluenza viruses, EB viruses, or even infections from Haemophilus influenzae, leading to relatively localized lesions. Common symptoms of a cold include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat, and it may not include fever. The prognosis of the common cold is generally better than that of influenza, and it is less likely to lead to severe complications.

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Written by Wang Xiu Mei
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What should I do if I catch a cold during the postpartum confinement period?

If a pregnant woman catches a cold and it is not very severe, conservative treatment can be considered. On one hand, medication can be taken under the guidance of an obstetrician. On the other hand, during the early stages of a cold, one can drink more water and keep warm. Maintain good air circulation indoors. If symptoms are severe, oral administration of medicines such as Xiao Chai Hu Granules and Bai Lan Gen Granules can help alleviate the condition. In terms of diet, it should be light and easy to digest. Avoid crowded public places, wear masks when going out, and reduce contact with people who have colds to cut off the source of infection. Once a pregnant woman catches a cold, it is crucial to rest. Do not overwork, drink plenty of water, and avoid certain foods. Seek medical attention in a timely manner and follow the doctor's instructions for medication, without self-medicating.

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Can you eat durian when you have a cold?

Wind-heat colds are not recommended for consumption. Traditional Chinese Medicine classifies colds into wind-heat colds and wind-cold colds based on the different external pathogenic factors patients experience. Wind-heat colds are primarily caused by exposure to external heat pathogens. Patients mainly exhibit symptoms including dry mouth, thirst, sweating, and coughing up phlegm, typically presenting with yellow phlegm. Durian is a food that tends to be warming; thus, consuming durian during a wind-heat cold could potentially worsen the condition or prolong the duration of the illness. Therefore, if the patient's symptoms match those described above for wind-heat colds, it is generally not recommended to eat durian. Of course, if the symptoms mentioned above are not present, eating durian is not a problem. Durian is a very nutritious food that can also aid in digestion. It is quite a good fruit.

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Why do colds cause headaches?

Why does a cold cause headaches? A cold is a viral infection, and the inflammation stimulates the body's temperature regulation center, causing immune-related fever, which leads to complications such as fever, headache, and limb pain. Additionally, a cold can cause symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and tearing, which can also pull and cause forehead pain. Therefore, whether the headache is caused by any of these reasons, one can choose non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic medications to relieve the symptoms. At the same time, treatment should also be paired with symptomatic medication and antiviral drugs for a targeted approach.