Do you have a cold and cough?

Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
Updated on April 19, 2025
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A cold, also known as an upper respiratory tract infection, is commonly caused by a decrease in immune function, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and fever due to viral invasion of the respiratory tract. Additionally, it is quite common for patients to experience varying degrees of cough during a cold. Due to the different pathogens that trigger colds, there is a significant variation in the clinical symptoms exhibited by patients. Naturally, the severity of symptoms also varies depending on the individual's immune strength. Thus, in treating colds, some patients might experience a dry cough initially and later develop a productive cough. These are both common occurrences, and effective control can be achieved with appropriate symptomatic treatment.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How to reduce fever from a cold?

Fever symptoms caused by a heat cold, the first choice of antipyretic method is to take physical antipyretic measures, such as using a cool towel, ice cap, or ice pack to cold compress the forehead area. One can also choose fever-reducing patches or use alcohol to wipe areas like the palms and soles of the feet to promote metabolism. If the effect is not apparent, one can take antipyretic and analgesic medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for fever treatment. Note: Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

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Which department should I go to if I have a cold during pregnancy?

When pregnant and catching a cold, one should visit the gynecology department or the respiratory department for treatment. During a cold, it is advisable to drink plenty of water and rest more. Medication during pregnancy needs to be cautious to avoid arbitrary use, especially of hormones and antiviral drugs. Medication should be decided under the guidance of a doctor, based on specific symptoms, timing of pregnancy, and related examinations. Generally, it is possible to take vitamin preparations or traditional Chinese medicine aimed at symptomatic treatment. In the mid to late stages of pregnancy, there are generally more options for choosing medications compared to the early stages, where primarily vitamin supplements are selected to help restore body functions.

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Written by Wu Xiao Sheng
Pulmonology
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What fruits should not be eaten when having a cold?

Theoretically, most fruits can be consumed during a cold, as there is no necessary connection between having a cold and consuming any specific fruit. Eating fruits will not exacerbate the clinical symptoms of a cold nor affect its outcome. Since a cold is a self-limiting disease caused by a viral infection, it might present with symptoms such as fever, cough, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat. Moreover, most fruits contain an abundance of water and vitamins, which provide beneficial replenishments for the losses caused by the cold. However, if it is a gastroenteric type of cold, it is generally advisable to avoid raw and cold fruits, such as those high in amino acids or those that can easily cause diarrhea, common examples being grapes and bananas.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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What should I do if I have a slight cold?

If you experience some symptoms of a cold, you shouldn't worry too much about it. A common cold usually heals on its own in about seven days, and it tends to resolve naturally. However, if you experience a cold accompanied by headaches, fever, coughing, phlegm, or sore throat, this could be more serious and might be due to a viral or bacterial infection. In such cases, under the guidance of a doctor, you can take appropriate anti-inflammatory or antiviral medications. It's also important to stay hydrated to boost metabolism and enhance the body’s immunity. Make sure to keep warm and avoid exposure to cold drafts. During a cold, avoid smoking and alcohol and cooperate actively with medical treatment. Additionally, maintaining a positive mood is crucial as stress can adversely affect recovery from illness.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Treatment for sore throat caused by a cold

To treat a sore throat from a cold, the main principle is to choose sensitive antibiotics or antiviral medications, in combination with medications that clear the lungs and benefit the throat for symptomatic treatment. One should first observe whether there are hypertrophic lymphoid follicles on the posterior pharyngeal wall, whether the tonsils are hypertrophied and enlarged, and whether there are diseases such as herpetic pharyngotonsillitis. If it is due to an acute exacerbation of chronic pharyngitis, one can choose to take macrolide antibiotics, combined with medications such as throat pills and pharyngitis tablets. Nebulization inhalation can also be adopted, which acts like a local treatment and can have a more direct effect.