What are the symptoms of wind-heat感冒?
Nov 10, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
In general, wind-heat感冒 (a common type of cold) is caused by external contraction of wind-heat pathogenic factors. Its core symptoms mainly include marked fever, sore and swollen throat, nasal congestion with runny nose, cough with phlegm, dry mouth, and thirst. Once wind-heat感冒 symptoms appear, they can be relieved by drinking plenty of water, eating a light diet, ensuring adequate rest, and using heat-clearing and exterior-resolving foods or medications for regulation.
Generally, wind-heat感冒 (common cold due to external wind-heat pathogen) is a common type of cold caused by an invasion of wind-heat evil. Its core symptoms mainly include significant fever, sore and swollen throat, nasal congestion and runny nose, cough with phlegm, dry mouth and throat, among others. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Prominent Fever: Invasion of wind-heat pathogens tends to cause elevated body temperature, usually presenting as low-grade or moderate fever. Some patients may develop high fever. Unlike other types of colds, there is typically no obvious chills; instead, patients often feel internal heat, flushed face, and bloodshot eyes.
2. Sore and Swollen Throat: Wind-heat pathogens attacking upward can cause congestion and swelling of the throat's mucous membrane, leading to noticeable sore throat. Pain may worsen during swallowing and can be accompanied by dryness, a foreign-body sensation in the throat, or even hoarseness in severe cases.
3. Nasal Congestion and Runny Nose: When wind-heat affects the nasal passages, it causes congestion and swelling of the nasal mucosa, resulting in stuffy nose and difficulty breathing through the nose. Patients often have yellow or thick nasal discharge that is copious and difficult to blow out, sometimes accompanied by temporary loss of smell.
4. Cough with Phlegm: Wind-heat impairing lung function disrupts the normal dispersion of lung qi, leading to coughing—often frequent and dry, or with small amounts of yellow, sticky phlegm. This may be accompanied by chest tightness and shortness of breath.
5. Dry Mouth and Throat: Wind-heat consumes body fluids, causing symptoms such as thirst, dry mouth and tongue, and chapped lips. Other clinical signs may include a thin yellow tongue coating and a floating-rapid pulse. Some patients may also experience dizziness, headache, and general fatigue.
When symptoms of wind-heat cold appear, they can be alleviated by drinking plenty of water, eating light foods, and ensuring adequate rest. Using ingredients or medications that clear heat and resolve exterior patterns can help expel the pathogenic heat from the body and promote recovery.
