What should I do if I catch a cold during the postpartum confinement period?

Written by Wang Xiu Mei
Obstetrics
Updated on December 24, 2024
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If a pregnant woman catches a cold and it is not very severe, conservative treatment can be considered.

On one hand, medication can be taken under the guidance of an obstetrician. On the other hand, during the early stages of a cold, one can drink more water and keep warm. Maintain good air circulation indoors. If symptoms are severe, oral administration of medicines such as Xiao Chai Hu Granules and Bai Lan Gen Granules can help alleviate the condition.

In terms of diet, it should be light and easy to digest. Avoid crowded public places, wear masks when going out, and reduce contact with people who have colds to cut off the source of infection. Once a pregnant woman catches a cold, it is crucial to rest. Do not overwork, drink plenty of water, and avoid certain foods. Seek medical attention in a timely manner and follow the doctor's instructions for medication, without self-medicating.

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The difference between bacterial cold and viral cold

The primary differences between bacterial colds and viral colds are as follows: Firstly, their pathogens are different. Bacterial colds are caused by bacterial infections, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus, which can lead to bacterial colds. Viral colds are caused by viral infections, including rhinovirus, adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus. Secondly, their clinical symptoms also differ. Bacterial colds may present with high fever, coughing, and purulent sputum. In contrast, viral colds rarely involve a high fever, and typically include symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and coughing up white mucus. Thirdly, their treatment methods differ. Bacterial colds generally require anti-inflammatory medications, while viral colds are often treated with antiviral medications.

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Is a sore throat caused by a cold with wind-cold or a cold with wind-heat?

Sore throat may be caused by a cold due to wind-cold or wind-heat, which are terms used in traditional Chinese medicine. However, from a Western medicine perspective, both wind-cold and wind-heat colds are caused by viral infections, and in rare cases, bacterial infections. When bacteria or viruses invade the respiratory tract's mucous membranes, especially the mucous membranes of the throat, it leads to congestion and swelling of the throat mucosa, increased exudation of inflammatory secretions, resulting in symptoms such as sore throat, throat discomfort, and coughing up phlegm. Therefore, a sore throat could be due to a cold caused by wind-cold or wind-heat. In such cases, it is appropriate to take some anti-cold medications or some Chinese patent medicines to alleviate the symptoms.

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Can you swim with a mild cold?

Mild colds in clinical settings, like in patients whose symptoms are not very severe and who do not have a fever, allow for activities like swimming during summer, especially for those suffering from heat-related colds. However, in winter, even with a mild cold, it's advisable not to swim due to the relatively lower temperature of the water in pools compared to normal temperatures. Instead, choosing other forms of exercise to boost the immune system is recommended during the cold winter months. Therefore, for patients with mild colds, it’s also important to assess the type of cold to decide whether swimming is appropriate.

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How to distinguish between bacterial cold and viral cold?

Viral colds primarily affect the nasal area, with severe runny nose that is mostly clear and lacks pus-like discharge. When coughing, there is little phlegm. Symptoms of bacterial colds mainly occur in the tonsils and throat, showing redness and swelling of the throat, enlarged tonsils, and throat pain. The nasal discharge is generally thick, and the cough brings up thick phlegm. Viral colds do not show any abnormalities in routine blood tests, whereas bacterial colds often display an increase in white blood cells.

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What should you not eat when you have a cold?

When you have a cold, you should avoid eating spicy, overly greasy, and cold food. These foods may worsan coughing symptoms and can also irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Generally, they are detrimental to the patient's condition. For a cold, it is recommended to have a light diet and eat some fruit appropriately, as well as drink plenty of plain water. Additionally, patients can consume some protein-rich foods, such as lean meat and eggs. Cold is usually a self-limiting illness and often does not require special treatment. Sometimes, just by making the dietary adjustments mentioned, the patient's condition may gradually improve. However, it is important to note that if the symptoms of the cold are severe, appropriate symptomatic treatment is necessary. Also, a minority of cold patients may develop complications such as pneumonia. Therefore, if cold symptoms persist, it is necessary to seek medical consultation to investigate the cause and receive appropriate management.