What type of cold causes itchy throat, runny nose, and sneezing?
Sep 22, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
The patient has an itchy throat, runny nose, and sneezing, which could be due to cold-type or heat-type common cold. If the patient has a cold-type common cold, clinical manifestations typically include clear nasal discharge, sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy throat, and cough. If the patient has a heat-type common cold, clinical manifestations usually include nasal congestion, yellow and thick nasal discharge, itchy throat accompanied by soreness.
If a patient experiences an itchy throat, runny nose, and sneezing, they may have either wind-cold感冒 (common cold due to wind-cold) or wind-heat感冒 (common cold due to wind-heat).
1. Wind-Cold感冒
If the patient has wind-cold感冒, clinical manifestations typically include clear nasal discharge, sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy throat, and coughing with thin, white phlegm that may contain small amounts of foam. The tongue appears pale red with a thin, white coating. Treatment for wind-cold感冒 involves using medications that疏散wind, dispel cold, and resolve exterior patterns.
2. Wind-Heat感冒
If the patient has wind-heat感冒, clinical symptoms usually include nasal congestion, yellow and thick (purulent) nasal discharge, sore and itchy throat, coughing with yellow, thick phlegm, dark urine, dry stools, a red tongue body, and a thin yellow tongue coating. Treatment for wind-heat感冒 involves using medications that疏散wind, clear heat, and resolve exterior patterns.
In summary,感冒 is mainly classified into two types: wind-cold and wind-heat. Symptoms such as itchy throat, sneezing, and runny nose are generally caused by exposure to cold.感冒 is a self-limiting illness; if not severe, symptoms typically last about one week and resolve spontaneously without specific treatment. Taking vitamin C may help shorten the duration of感冒 and alleviate symptoms like coughing and sneezing. It's important to rest adequately, maintain physical strength, avoid complications, reduce daily activities, and prevent overexertion. Pay attention to staying warm and adjust clothing appropriately during temperature changes.
