What should you not eat when you have a cold and nasal congestion?

Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
Updated on January 09, 2025
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Colds are very common in clinical settings, often due to a patient's lowered immune function. Patients may inadvertently come into contact with viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, fever, and cough. For patients experiencing nasal congestion from a cold, it is advised to avoid spicy and irritating foods such as chili peppers, raw onions, and raw garlic. Additionally, they should not consume cold or cooling foods and should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol to prevent exacerbating the symptoms of the cold. Therefore, during a cold, it is advisable to avoid seeking cool environments and to not set the air conditioning too low to prevent getting chilled again.

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Written by Qiu Xin Hui
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Is catching a cold from excessive internal heat the same as a wind-heat cold?

Colds caused by excessive internal heat are common in everyday life. They are mostly caused by wind-heat type colds, and part of them are what we often refer to as "cold wrapped in heat", meaning one has caught a wind-cold type cold while also showing symptoms of excessive internal heat. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) doctor in person for diagnosis. Based on one's condition, the diagnosis is made through the four examinations of inspection, listening and smelling, inquiry, and palpation to differentiate the syndromes and decide on the treatment. Colds caused by excessive internal heat generally require the use of herbs that clear heat and purge fire, combined with herbs that expel wind and release the exterior for treatment to achieve recovery. (The use of medicines should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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How many days does it take to recover from a cold caused by wind-cold?

Patients with a common cold due to wind-cold usually improve within about 3 to 7 days under normal conditions. The most severe period is the first 1 to 2 days, during which symptoms such as severe coughing and a runny nose are more pronounced. It is recommended to always pay attention to keeping warm and avoid getting chilled to prevent worsening the condition. If the cold is severe, it is crucial to go to a formal hospital in time and treat the symptoms based on the doctor's guidance. Additionally, one can use some anti-inflammatory and wind-cold fighting medicines for effective treatment, which can help improve the cold and hasten the healing process.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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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.

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Written by Li Xue Qing
Gastroenterology
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How to reduce fever from a stomach flu?

Generally, physical cooling methods such as wiping with alcohol or applying ice packs to areas with large arteries like the armpits, groin, or neck can be used to dissipate heat, but it is important to prevent frostbite. Secondly, you can drink herbal teas that clear heat, such as chrysanthemum tea or honeysuckle tea. Massages can also help reduce fever, focusing on acupoints like Quchi (LI 11), Hegu (LI 4), Dazhui (GV 14), and Yongquan (KI 1). Additionally, antipyretic and analgesic medications can be taken to help reduce fever. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Wang Lin Zhong
Pediatrics
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How to treat a baby's cold fever

Children's heat colds generally occur in the summer when the weather is hot, and the following methods can be used to manage it: First, give the child an appropriate amount of warm water to drink. When a child catches a cold, they will consume too much water from their body. At this time, replenishing water can improve the child's symptoms. Second, take some antipyretic and heat-clearing drugs. These drugs are effective in alleviating symptoms such as fever, nasal congestion, and cough caused by heat colds. Third, if the child develops throat inflammation, nasal congestion, and yellow nasal discharge after catching a cold, this might be a bacterial infection. Cephalosporin antibiotics can be used, but it is best to take the child to the hospital for tests like a complete blood count and other examinations. Only after confirming the indications for antibiotic use should antibiotic treatment be administered.