Can I drink cold water for summerheat-dampness type of common cold?
Feb 26, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Heat-summerheat感冒, also known as heat-induced common cold, commonly occurs in summer and is often caused by exposure to wind-cold pathogens. Symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, fever, mild chills, sweating, dry mouth, sore throat, etc. During a common cold, drinking icy water may have the following adverse effects: Icy water may irritate the mucous membrane of the throat, leading to increased congestion of the pharyngeal mucosa, thereby worsening the symptoms of the common cold.
Generally, drinking cold water is not recommended during a summerheat-dampness type of common cold. The analysis is as follows:
Summerheat-dampness common cold, also known as heat-induced cold, commonly occurs in summer and is often caused by exposure to wind-cold pathogens. Symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, fever, mild chills, sweating, dry mouth, and sore throat. During a cold, drinking cold water may cause the following adverse effects: Cold water may irritate the mucous membrane of the throat, worsening congestion of the throat mucosa and thereby aggravating symptoms such as sore throat and nasal congestion.
During summer when temperatures are high, drinking cold water can rapidly lower internal body temperature. Cold water entering the stomach may irritate the gastric mucosa, causing vasoconstriction and spasms of the stomach, leading to a weakened spleen and stomach. Long-term consumption may also affect digestion and absorption functions.
Therefore, patients with summerheat-dampness common cold are advised to drink warm water. Warm water can promote urination and sweating, which helps dissipate body heat and aids in recovery from the common cold. At the same time, dietary intake should be light and bland, avoiding spicy, greasy, raw, or cold foods to prevent irritation and facilitate recovery.
