How to solve the problem of nasal congestion due to a cold?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on January 02, 2025
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If the symptoms of nasal congestion are not too severe, you can use steaming methods, apply a hot towel, or massage acupoints, such as the temples and the Fengchi acupoint.

If the cold symptoms are more severe, then some medications will be necessary. You can use medications for nasal congestion or cold medicines. If the virus invades the nasal cavity, causing congestion and swelling of the mucous membrane, and resulting inflammation, some anti-inflammatory medications can be used. Drink more warm water and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits. You can take some traditional Chinese medicine to treat the cold. If there is also fever and thick nasal discharge, some antiviral medications should be taken for treatment.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
1min 11sec home-news-image

What should I do if I have a cold, nasal congestion, and vomiting?

A cold, commonly referred to as an upper respiratory tract infection, often occurs due to a decrease in immune function, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion and sneezing due to viruses entering the respiratory tract. Clinical symptoms like fever and cough are most common. Some patients may also experience varying degrees of nausea, vomiting, and even loss of appetite. These symptoms are primarily considered to be caused by a gastrointestinal type of cold. Therefore, for such patients, it is first necessary to conduct relevant auxiliary examinations to determine if the symptoms are due to a viral gastrointestinal cold. Once confirmed, timely antiviral treatments and detoxification should be administered. Additionally, patients are advised to follow a bland diet, eat smaller, more frequent meals, and consume easily digestible foods. As long as the cold symptoms are effectively controlled, the symptoms of nausea and vomiting will also alleviate.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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How long does it take to recover from a cold?

The common cold is one of the most frequently seen diseases in clinical settings, caused by viral infections. The most prevalent symptoms are nasal, such as sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. Additionally, there can be discomfort in the throat, coughing, and some patients may experience mild fever, chills, and headaches. Generally, the natural course of a cold is about five to seven days, so it's possible to recover from a cold within a week. However, since there are currently no specific medications for treating the common cold, it is important to rest, avoid getting chilled, drink plenty of water, quit smoking, and ensure good ventilation in the room to aid recovery from a cold.

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Written by Feng Hai Tao
Pediatrics
1min 59sec home-news-image

How to take care of a child with a cold

How to take care of a child during a cold? First, it is essential to ensure that the child rests in bed. Provide the child with plentiful water, offering small amounts frequently. If the child does not want to drink water, you can appropriately add some juice or glucose water. Also, monitor the temperature changes, generally measuring the temperature under the armpit. Second, it is crucial to keep windows open for ventilation at home, avoiding too cold or too hot environments, as neither is conducive to the child’s recovery from illness. Third, based on the changes in temperature, adjust the child’s clothing accordingly but avoid dressing the child too warmly or covering too thickly, as this can hinder heat dissipation. This is not only detrimental to the child’s recovery but can also exacerbate the illness and potentially lead to heat rash. Fourth, if the child sweats excessively, be sure to wipe the sweat timely and change their clothes. Fifth, in terms of diet, adopt a strategy of small, frequent meals that are light and easy to digest. The child should avoid eating fish, shrimp, spicy, and other stimulating foods. If the child has poor appetite or indigestion, do not force-feed them. Instead, frequently massage their abdomen, and if necessary, administer oral medication to aid digestion. Sixth, ensure adequate caloric intake and that the child urinates frequently and has regular bowel movements. Seventh, actively apply symptomatic treatment for the child and avoid the misuse of antibiotics. If the temperature persists for more than three days or if the condition worsens, it is imperative to visit the hospital promptly to avoid delaying the child's condition.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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What should pregnant women not eat when they have a cold?

During pregnancy, due to the general decline in the physical condition of pregnant women, it is easy to catch a cold. At this time, relief can be provided through daily care. However, in daily life, there are some foods that should be avoided. First, crabs should not be eaten, as eating crabs during pregnancy can potentially cause miscarriage, due to their effect of invigorating blood circulation and resolving stasis. Additionally, chives should not be eaten when having a cold, as although chives have a moistening effect on the intestines, eating too many can also easily cause uterine contractions leading to miscarriage. Also, spicy and stimulating foods, such as chili peppers, black pepper, onions, and ginger, should be avoided as they can exacerbate gastrointestinal disorder. Instead, it is important to drink plenty of water, ensure adequate sleep, and strengthen personal hygiene care.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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Can you eat watermelon when you have a cold?

A cold, also commonly referred to as an upper respiratory tract infection, can generally be categorized into cold-natured and heat-natured types. If it occurs in winter, it is usually a cold-natured cold, and patients with this type are generally not recommended to eat watermelon. On the other hand, a heat-natured cold in summer typically presents symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, fever, headache, sore throat, coughing, and even coughing up yellow phlegm. Patients with such symptoms can eat watermelon, as it can not only hydrate the body but also cool it down and provide some essential nutrients, making it suitable for patients with a heat-natured cold.