Cold

An acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract especially of the nose and throat caused by a virus and accompanied by sneezing and coughing.


One of the six External Pathogenic Factors. Cold is a pathogen that causes contraction of tissues, and stagnation of Qi and blood. It exhausts the body as it consumes body heat (Yang Qi).


Infection involving the nasal passages and upper part of the breathing system (not including the lungs) and including such symptoms as a runny nose, watery eyes, and a sore throat. Caused by one of many different viruses (mainly rhinoviruses), a cold may be treated with rest, decongestants and increased fluids, but usually not with antibiotics, which do not affect viruses. Also called common cold, upper respiratory tract infection.


Not warm or hot.


A general term for coryza or inflammation of the respiratory mucous membranes known as the common cold.


The common cold, also known as coryza or upper respiratory tract catarrh, is caused by a virus. The saying goes that a cold lasts two weeks without treatment and 14 days with treatment, highlighting the limited effectiveness of many remedies. Over-the-counter cold “cures,” antibiotics, vitamin C, quinine, and cinnamon generally don’t work. Medical treatment usually aims to alleviate symptoms, using belladonna to reduce secretions, ephedrine nasal drops to shrink the nasal membranes, and aspirin to lower fever.


 


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