What is wind-heat感冒 (common cold)?
Sep 23, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Wind-heat感冒 is a classification of the common cold in traditional Chinese medicine, referring to a respiratory illness caused by external invasion of wind-heat pathogens, primarily characterized by fever, sore throat, and yellow nasal discharge. Wind-heat感冒 is usually triggered by factors such as pathogenic wind-heat attacking the lung and defensive systems, sudden changes in weather, or a constitution with excess internal heat. It can be relieved through treatments that release the exterior with cooling herbs and clear heat while detoxifying.
Wind-heat感冒 is a syndrome differentiation type in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for acute upper respiratory tract infections. Its essence lies in external wind-heat pathogens attacking the body surface and disrupting lung and defensive (wei) qi harmony. Clinically, it is characterized by prominent fever, sore throat, and yellow nasal discharge. It commonly occurs during spring-summer or summer-autumn seasons when temperatures fluctuate and the skin pores are relatively open. Individuals with inherently excessive yang, those who frequently consume spicy foods, or those suffering from overwork and fatigue are more susceptible to pathogenic invasion.
Pathogens usually enter through the mouth and nose, initially affecting the lungs. Impaired lung function in dispersion and clearance leads to nasal congestion and thick yellow nasal discharge. Heat-toxin scorching the throat causes redness, swelling, and pain. The struggle between pathogenic factors and defensive qi on the exterior results in a rapid rise in body temperature, often exceeding 38°C. Patients typically experience mild aversion to wind rather than marked cold sensitivity, perspire without fever subsiding, and may have symptoms such as thirst, headache, cough with yellow sticky phlegm, a red tongue with thin yellow coating—features that help differentiate it from wind-cold syndrome.
Treatment follows the principles of acrid-cool exterior-releasing and heat-clearing detoxification. In TCM, formulas like Yin Qiao San and Sang Ju Yin are commonly modified and used. Western medicine focuses on symptomatic relief: ibuprofen for high fever, watermelon frost lozenges for sore throat, and fresh bamboo sap for yellow phlegm. When combining TCM and Western medicines, a two-hour interval is recommended, and treatment should be conducted under medical supervision to avoid duplication or antagonistic effects.
During convalescence, maintaining daily intake of 1500–2000 mL of warm water is advised. Cooling beverages such as mung bean soup, winter melon soup, or pear juice can be consumed. Foods that nourish yin and promote fluid production—such as lotus root, lily bulb, and water chestnut—are beneficial, while fried and spicy foods should be avoided. Living spaces should be well-ventilated, but direct exposure to cold drafts should be prevented. Drinking decoctions made from honeysuckle and mint instead of tea can help relieve dry throat.
Prevention emphasizes timely avoidance of pathogenic environmental influences. Dress appropriately during seasonal transitions and avoid exposure to wind immediately after sweating. Susceptible individuals may regularly drink chrysanthemum-mulberry leaf tea, maintain regular作息, and engage in moderate exercise. During outbreak periods, wearing masks and avoiding crowded places are recommended. If fever persists beyond three days, or if symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or purulent sputum develop, bacterial infection should be suspected, and prompt medical evaluation is necessary.
