What should I do if I have a cold during my period?
Apr 17, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
When having a cold during menstruation, general treatment, medication, or physical therapy may be used to relieve discomfort. Keep the body warm, maintain a light diet, and get plenty of rest. If symptoms such as coughing and nasal congestion are severe, antiviral medications should be taken as directed by a physician. For severe menstrual cramps, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be necessary. If fever occurs but body temperature does not exceed 38.5℃, physical methods can be used to reduce it.
When having a cold during menstruation, general treatment, medication, and physical therapy can usually be used to relieve discomfort. The specific approaches are as follows:
1. General Treatment
Maintain body warmth and follow a light diet, avoiding raw, cold, spicy, or other irritating foods. Get adequate rest and avoid physically or mentally demanding activities. These measures help improve overall health and alleviate symptoms.
2. Medication
If cold symptoms such as coughing and nasal congestion are severe, appropriate treatment should be based on the type of infectious pathogen. For example, if caused by a viral infection, antiviral medications such as ribavirin granules, oseltamivir phosphate granules, or amantadine hydrochloride tablets should be taken under medical guidance to eliminate the pathogen and improve the condition. If menstrual cramps are severe, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen capsules, ibuprofen tablets, or acetaminophen tablets, may also be needed to relieve abdominal pain.
3. Physical Therapy
When a cold causes fever but body temperature does not exceed 38.5°C, physical methods such as cold compresses, fever-reducing patches, or tepid sponge baths can be used to promote heat dissipation.
If symptoms are severe, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
