Why do bones and muscles ache after a cold?

Cold usually refers to upper respiratory tract infection. In general, bone and muscle aches following an upper respiratory tract infection may be caused by fever, excessive fatigue, muscle injury, viremia, rheumatoid arthritis, or other reasons. Patients should promptly visit a正规 hospital to determine the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Fever

Upper respiratory tract infections may be caused by bacterial or viral infections. When bacteria or viruses enter the body, they can trigger an immune response, leading to fever. Fever increases metabolic rate, resulting in excessive lactic acid production in muscles, which causes the aforementioned symptoms. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as acetaminophen tablets, ibuprofen tablets, or compound licorice tablets for treatment.

2. Excessive Fatigue

Excessive physical exertion or failure to rest adequately after developing an upper respiratory tract infection may easily lead to generalized weakness. Increased levels of lactic acid and histamine in muscles and joints can cause the above issues, and some patients may also experience fatigue. It is recommended that patients get adequate rest, avoid overexertion, and maintain proper warmth.

3. Muscle Injury

After an upper respiratory tract infection, if the body suffers trauma or impact, localized bone and muscle soreness may occur. In such cases, applying heat to the affected area may help relieve pain.

4. Viremia

Viremia refers to a systemic infection in which viruses invade the bloodstream, circulate throughout the body, and replicate within it. If viremia develops following an upper respiratory tract infection, the aforementioned symptoms may appear, along with chills, high fever, and shortness of breath. Under medical supervision, patients may take antiviral medications such as ribavirin tablets, acyclovir tablets, or oseltamivir phosphate granules.

5. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a common acute or chronic connective tissue inflammatory disease, possibly associated with genetic, infectious, and environmental factors. If patients develop this condition concurrently, they may experience redness, swelling, and warmth in the joints, as well as generalized body aches. Under a doctor’s guidance, patients may use medications such as enteric-coated aspirin tablets, diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, or naproxen capsules for treatment.

In daily life, patients should pay attention to maintaining a healthy diet. They can consume moderate amounts of light, easily digestible foods such as millet porridge and noodles, and should avoid spicy and irritating foods like chili peppers and Sichuan pepper to prevent worsening of symptoms.