Can I drink milk when I have a cold?

Written by Guo Xiao Yun
Pulmonology
Updated on November 19, 2024
00:00
00:00

During a cold, it is okay to drink milk because milk contains abundant proteins, various trace elements, and minerals that can supplement the body's nutrition, boost the immune system, and facilitate recovery from the cold. However, during a cold, it is advised not to drink cold milk but to drink warm milk instead, as gastrointestinal function is also weakened during a cold. Drinking cold milk might irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. Moreover, it is important not to drink excessive amounts of milk during a cold. Drinking a moderate amount of milk is acceptable, as too much milk can increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract. Besides drinking milk, consuming fresh vegetables and fruits and drinking plenty of warm water can also help speed up recovery from a cold.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
31sec home-news-image

Can I eat oysters when I have a cold?

You can eat oysters when you have a cold. However, it's important to control the amount consumed and not eat too many oysters. During a cold, the body is very weak, and eating too many oysters can increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract. Oysters are considered a "cold" food and consuming too many can also have an adverse effect on a cold. During a cold, it's also important to eat light food and not arbitrarily add seasonings to food; overly salty or spicy foods are not advisable.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
55sec home-news-image

How long is the incubation period for a stomach flu?

Gastroenteritis, clinically, is mostly caused by viral infection, hence the incubation period for patients with viral flu typically ranges from one to three days. Due to differing immune functions, patients may exhibit varied clinical symptoms. In addition to upper respiratory infection symptoms, gastroenteritis patients often experience gastrointestinal discomfort, particularly in young infants, manifesting as nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, and diarrhea during the outbreak. Typically, gastroenteritis patients need a week for the infection to resolve and the healing process to complete. Thus, it is crucial in clinical practice to promptly provide antiviral and symptomatic treatment to relieve symptoms. Some mild cases can be cured, but most require appropriate medication for symptomatic treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Wen Li
Obstetrics
36sec home-news-image

What should a pregnant woman do if she has a cold and feels excessive internal heat?

What should pregnant women do after catching a cold and feeling excessive internal heat? Since it is inconvenient for pregnant women to take medicine, they should try to relieve the symptoms by drinking more water and urinating more. In addition to drinking plain water, pear juice can be consumed by boiling pears with some rock sugar, which can effectively alleviate the symptoms of excessive internal heat. Additionally, mung bean soup with some rock sugar can also be a good beverage to reduce internal heat. If these treatments are not effective, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zou Zhong Lan
Pulmonology
1min 34sec home-news-image

The difference between viral and bacterial colds

The main differences between viral and bacterial colds are: First, the pathogens are different. Viral colds are primarily caused by viruses, while bacterial colds are mainly caused by bacterial infections. Second, the characteristics of contagion differ. Viral colds generally have stronger contagiousness, such as influenza, which has distinct characteristics of outbreaks and often occurs seasonally in spring and winter, with a sudden onset. Bacterial colds are less contagious and typically occur sporadically. Third, the symptoms differ. Generally, viral colds mainly present symptoms of nasal congestion, runny nose, and other upper respiratory catarrhal symptoms. Bacterial colds mainly present with fever, sore throat, tonsillitis, and other symptoms. Fourth, in terms of examinations, a typical hemogram for viral colds usually shows normal or low white blood cells, with an increase in lymphocytes, while bacterial colds often show an increase in white blood cells or neutrophils. Fifth, the treatment approaches differ. Treatment for viral colds primarily includes antiviral therapy, nutritional support, ventilation, and hydration. Bacterial colds are mainly treated with antibiotics and anti-infection therapies.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
45sec home-news-image

Yellow nasal discharge is what kind of cold?

Yellow nasal discharge is not a symptom of a cold. A cold, also known as an upper respiratory tract infection, typically presents with clear nasal discharge, indicating a viral infection. The appearance of yellow nasal discharge could suggest two possibilities: it could either be a symptom of sinusitis or it could indicate a secondary bacterial infection following a cold, especially in the later stages of a cold, manifesting symptoms similar to sinusitis. Therefore, yellow or yellow-purulent nasal discharge is definitively not a cold; it might be a symptom of sinusitis occurring late in the course of a cold or as the cold is resolving. In conclusion, yellow nasal discharge is not indicative of a cold.