Is having phlegm in a cold due to wind-cold or wind-heat cold?

Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
Updated on February 09, 2025
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Simple cases of colds accompanied by coughing phlegm cannot distinguish between cold-induced colds and heat-induced colds. Clinically, patients with heat-induced colds often have yellow phlegm when coughing occurs, and heat-induced colds are more common in summer. Patients will also experience fever, chills, and sore throat among other clinical symptoms. Wind-cold colds clinically manifest with nasal congestion and a runny nose, usually with clear nasal discharge, as well as fever, itchy throat, and dry cough. When patients cough, it is typically characterized by clear phlegm. Therefore, if one simply states that a cold involves phlegm, it is not possible to differentiate between wind-cold cold and wind-heat cold.

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Where to press for a headache from a cold?

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Does wind-heat cold have phlegm?

Wind-heat colds have a very high incidence rate in daily life. Symptoms of wind-heat cold include fever, cough with phlegm, dizziness, headache, and sore throat. Wind-heat colds are characterized by the presence of phlegm, and it is advisable to visit a hospital for a diagnostic check. In everyday life, it is important to rest, drink plenty of warm water, keep warm, and eat a light diet. Consuming fruits and vegetables high in vitamins is beneficial. It is also recommended to avoid crowded places to prevent cross-infection.

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What to do if you have a cold and a headache?

After catching a cold, symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, and fever may occur, and many patients also experience headaches. What should be done about headaches after a cold? First, it is important to rest, ensure sufficient sleep, drink plenty of water, and keep the room well-ventilated to aid in recovery. Additionally, symptomatic treatment with medications might be used, such as antipyretic analgesics, multi-symptom cold remedies, and corresponding traditional Chinese medicines. These medications can help alleviate headache symptoms.