What kind of cold causes a runny nose?

Generally, runny nose may be caused by viral cold, bacterial cold, cold-induced cold, heat-induced cold, or summerheat-dampness cold. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive treatment under a physician's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Viral Cold: A viral cold is caused by a viral infection. Patients may experience symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, rapid breathing, and clear nasal discharge. When a virus invades the nasal cavity, it increases nasal secretions, causing the mucus to run like water. Treatment may include antiviral oral solutions, Lianhua Qingwen capsules, Ganmaoling granules, or other medications as directed by a physician.

2. Bacterial Cold: A bacterial cold is caused by bacterial infection. Symptoms may include coughing, sputum production, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing. When bacteria cause inflammation, the nasal mucosa becomes irritated, reducing its ability to control secretions, which may lead to a runny nose. Treatment may involve medications such as Penicillin V potassium tablets, Cefprozil tablets, or Levofloxacin tablets, used under a physician's guidance.

3. Cold-Induced Cold: Cold-induced cold results from external invasion of cold pathogens and impaired lung function. When external cold enters the body, it causes pores to close, preventing normal evaporation of moisture, which is then expelled through the respiratory tract, forming clear nasal mucus. Patients may also experience sneezing and headaches. Treatment may include Cold Granules for Wind-Cold, Jingfang Granules, Li Pulmonary Capsules, or other medications as directed by a physician.

4. Heat-Induced Cold: This condition is often caused by external invasion of heat pathogens. Symptoms may include yellow nasal discharge, significant fever, dry mouth and throat, sore throat, yellow and thick sputum, as well as headache and a thin yellow tongue coating. Treatment may involve Yinqiao powder, Wind-Heat Cold Granules, Compound Honeysuckle Granules, or other medications as recommended by a physician.

5. Summerheat-Dampness Cold: Common in summer, this condition typically results from exposure to summerheat and dampness pathogens. In addition to a runny nose, symptoms may include fever, mild aversion to wind, poor perspiration, limb fatigue, heavy feeling in the head, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Treatment may include Huoxiang Zhengqi Liquid, Qing Shu Yi Qi Pills, or Summerheat-Dampness Cold Granules, used under a physician's guidance.

In daily life, it is important to stay warm and avoid exposure to cold; rest adequately and ensure sufficient sleep; drink plenty of water to keep nasal passages moist; and maintain proper nutrition to enhance the body's resistance.