What causes a summerheat-dampness type of common cold, and what should be done?

Generally, summerheat-dampness type common cold is mostly caused by external contraction of summerheat-dampness pathogens, food accumulation leading to dampness formation, environmental exposure to damp-heat, excessive fatigue consuming vital energy, or internal accumulation of spleen-stomach damp-heat. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to identify the underlying cause and, under a physician's guidance, improve the condition through lifestyle adjustments, medication, and other approaches. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. External contraction of summerheat-dampness pathogens: During summer or rainy seasons, external summerheat-dampness pathogens are more prevalent, and improper protection can easily lead to invasion of the body, affecting lung function in dispersing and descending qi, thus triggering common cold symptoms. Promptly move to a dry and well-ventilated environment, use lukewarm water to wipe the body for heat dissipation, drink 1500-2000 milliliters of warm water daily, and consume diuretic foods such as wax gourd soup and mung bean soup to promote the elimination of dampness and heat.

2. Food accumulation leading to dampness: Frequent consumption of spicy, fried, and sweet greasy foods can overload the spleen and stomach, causing food stagnation and dampness formation, which may ascend as summerheat-dampness and trigger common cold symptoms accompanied by abdominal distension and bitter taste in the mouth. Adjust the diet to bland and easily digestible foods, eat more spleen-strengthening and dampness-resolving foods such as coix seed, Chinese yam, and lotus seeds. Keep each meal to about 70-80% fullness and avoid overeating.

3. Environmental damp-heat invasion: Long-term exposure to hot and humid environments such as basements or air-conditioned rooms with poor air circulation can lead to continuous invasion of damp-heat into the body, affecting the normal circulation of qi. Regularly open windows for ventilation at least twice daily for 30 minutes each time, use dehumidifiers to lower indoor humidity, and maintain humidity levels between 40%-60%.

4. Excessive fatigue depleting vital energy: Long-term sleep deprivation and physical exhaustion can lead to deficiency of vital energy, reducing the body's resistance and making it susceptible to invasion by summerheat-dampness pathogens, thus triggering common colds. Ensure 7-8 hours of sleep daily, avoid staying up late, reduce physical activity during a cold, and engage in mild exercises such as walking to help restore strength and enhance resistance.

5. Internal accumulation of spleen-stomach damp-heat: Individuals with inherently weak spleen-stomach function may experience internal generation of damp-heat due to long-term dysfunction in transformation and transportation, which can be triggered by external pathogens, leading to common cold symptoms accompanied by poor appetite and sticky bowel movements. Follow medical advice for pharmacological treatment using medicines such as Huoxiang Zhengqi Water, Lianhua Qingwen Capsules, and Fangfeng Tongsheng Pills.

In daily life, adjust clothing according to seasonal changes, avoid prolonged exposure to air conditioning and consumption of cold beverages in summer to prevent the combination of damp-heat and cold pathogens from worsening the condition. Maintain good oral hygiene during a cold, rinse the mouth with warm water after meals to reduce bacterial growth and aid faster recovery.