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What are the causes of a heat-type cold?

Mar 28, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
In general, the causes of a heat cold may include temperature fluctuations, excessive sweating with insufficient fluid replacement, rhinovirus infection, hemolytic streptococcus infection, chronic bronchitis, and others. The appropriate solution depends on the specific cause. It is advisable to maintain good daily habits and dietary practices, avoid excessive fatigue and exposure to allergens, which can aid in recovery.

Generally, the causes of a summer cold may include temperature fluctuations, excessive sweating combined with insufficient fluid intake, rhinovirus infection, hemolytic streptococcus infection, and chronic bronchitis. The appropriate treatment depends on the specific cause. Prompt medical attention and treatment according to medical advice are necessary. Details are as follows:

1. Temperature fluctuations: In summer, high temperatures and humidity cause heavy perspiration, which consumes significant energy through sweat gland secretion. If one suddenly enters an air-conditioned room with excessively low temperatures, the large temperature difference between hot and cold can disrupt the body's regulation mechanisms, leading to a summer cold. Patients should avoid frequently entering and exiting air-conditioned rooms and maintain a suitable indoor temperature and humidity.

2. Excessive sweating and insufficient fluid replacement: In high-temperature summer environments, the body dissipates heat through perspiration, resulting in significant loss of body fluids and electrolytes. If fluids and electrolytes are not replenished timely, the body may become dehydrated, leading to a weakened immune system and increased susceptibility to viral infections, which can trigger a summer cold. Patients should drink plenty of water, especially light saltwater or sports drinks, to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.

3. Rhinovirus infection: Rhinovirus is a common respiratory virus that can cause upper respiratory tract infections, including tonsillitis and pharyngitis. After rhinovirus infection, the virus replicates in the respiratory tract and releases toxins, triggering inflammatory reactions and fever, and may also be accompanied by nasal congestion. Antiviral medications such as ribavirin granules, oseltamivir phosphate capsules, and ganciclovir tablets should be used according to medical advice.

4. Hemolytic streptococcus infection: Hemolytic streptococcus is a common respiratory bacterium that can cause upper respiratory tract infections, including tonsillitis and pharyngitis. Following infection with hemolytic streptococcus, the bacteria multiply in the respiratory tract and release toxins, causing inflammatory reactions and fever, and may also be accompanied by redness and swelling of the tonsils. Anti-inflammatory medications such as amoxicillin capsules, paracetamol tablets, and erythromycin enteric-coated tablets should be used under a doctor's guidance.

5. Chronic bronchitis: Chronic bronchitis is a chronic nonspecific inflammation of the trachea, bronchial mucosa, and surrounding tissues. For patients with chronic bronchitis, factors such as high summer temperatures, high humidity, and air pollution may trigger acute exacerbations, leading to respiratory infections and fever, and may also be accompanied by wheezing. Antibacterial medications such as levofloxacin tablets, cefdinir dispersible tablets, and sulfamethoxazole tablets should be used according to medical instructions.

Maintaining good daily habits, including lifestyle and dietary practices, avoiding excessive fatigue, and minimizing exposure to allergens, can aid in recovery.

References:

[1] Ge Junbo, Xu Yongjian, Wang Chen. Internal Medicine [M]. 9th edition. Beijing: People's Medical Publishing House, 2018.

[2] Wang Yuming, Li Mengdong. Practical Infectious Diseases [M]. 5th edition. Beijing: People's Medical Publishing House, 2017.

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