How to treat a cold with nasal congestion and dry cough?

Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
Updated on October 19, 2024
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The common cold is a very common inflammatory condition clinically, generally caused by viral infections, hence, the treatment for such patients usually needs to focus on antiviral medications. Most viral colds cause varying degrees of nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and even dry cough and itchy throat among other clinical symptoms. For such patients, treatment begins by identifying the specific pathogens causing the cold. If it is a virus, timely administration of heat-clearing and detoxifying medications is necessary, along with the appropriate use of traditional Chinese medicine to alleviate symptoms like nasal congestion and runny nose. For symptoms such as nasal congestion and dry cough, appropriate use of cough suppressant medications or nebulized inhalation may be chosen to provide symptomatic relief, with treatment effects generally being ideal around three days.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What should I do if I have a cold with headache and fever?

When experiencing symptoms of a cold such as headache and fever, one should first measure their body temperature and adopt corresponding treatment measures based on the severity of the fever. Fever can cause headaches, fatigue, body aches, and may even lead to complications like nausea and vomiting. If the body temperature does not exceed 38℃ (100.4°F), one can take vitamin supplements, drink ginger tea, and use physical methods to reduce fever. If the body temperature is above 38℃ (100.4°F), one may consider taking antipyretic and pain-relieving medications like ibuprofen or aspirin to alleviate symptoms. Generally, once the body temperature returns to normal, headache symptoms will gradually improve or disappear. (The use of medications should be based on specific conditions and under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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How to relieve cold, nasal congestion, and chest tightness?

Patients like those with a common cold are often seen in populations with weakened immune systems. They may develop various symptoms such as fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing due to carelessness in exposure to cold, and infection by viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens. Additionally, if patients already suffer from bronchial asthma, infections by viruses or bacteria can trigger an asthma attack at any time. Therefore, when such patients experience symptoms like nasal congestion and runny nose, they may also experience chest tightness and shortness of breath. To alleviate these symptoms, it is important first to identify the causative factor of the chest tightness and shortness of breath. If it is due to a cold leading to an episode of chronic bronchitis, then the chest tightness and shortness of breath can be managed by timely administering anti-infective, cough-suppressing, expectorant, and antiviral medications. Once the symptoms of the upper respiratory tract infection are effectively controlled, medications that relieve bronchospasm can be appropriately used to ease the condition.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Symptoms of cold and fever in children

Child colds indicate an upper respiratory infection, mostly caused by viral infections, with some triggering bacterial infections. It is very common for children with colds to have fevers. In such cases, it is important to ensure the child is well-hydrated. If the temperature exceeds 38.5°C, fever-reducing medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen suspension should be administered. Additionally, cold medications can be taken to alleviate symptoms. When the temperature is below 38.5°C, drinking plenty of fluids is usually sufficient. In essence, the main treatment for a cold is symptomatic relief. Symptoms like fever, runny nose, sneezing, and coughing are all common with colds. (Please take medication under the guidance of a professional physician, and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Chen Bao Cai
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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The difference between wind-heat cold and wind-cold cold

The pathogenic factors of Wind-Heat cold and Wind-Cold cold are different in traditional Chinese medicine. Wind-Heat cold is considered to be caused by the pathogenic factor of wind-heat, whereas Wind-Cold cold is considered to be caused by the pathogenic factor of wind-cold. The symptoms of the two also differ: Wind-Heat cold often involves obvious fever and a less pronounced fear of cold, while Wind-Cold cold definitely includes a sensation of chilliness, which may or may not accompany a fever. Both types involve symptoms of nasal congestion and a runny nose; however, the nasal discharge in Wind-Heat cold is often yellow and turbid, whereas in Wind-Cold cold, it is typically clear. Wind-Heat cold often accompanies a sore throat, whereas a sore throat is rare in cases of Wind-Cold cold. The treatments for the two also differ: Wind-Heat cold is typically treated by resolving the exterior and clearing heat, while Wind-Cold cold is treated by resolving the exterior and expelling cold.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Can you drink alcohol if you have a cold?

It is not recommended to drink alcohol during a cold. This is because alcohol can suppress the central nervous system and affect the absorption of medications, especially cephalosporin drugs. One must not drink alcohol as it can pose a life-threatening risk. Whether it is beer, Western liquor, or strong spirits, none should be consumed. Since a cold itself can cause symptoms of fatigue and weakness, adding alcohol can potentially worsen these symptoms. Additionally, consuming alcohol while on cold medications is not advised, as it can lead to poor mental focus, and alcohol can exacerbate the symptoms of a cold.