What are the symptoms of catching a cold due to exposure to cold?

Cold-induced cold symptoms generally include chills, nasal congestion with clear runny nose, sneezing, body aches, and mild fever. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Chills and sensitivity to cold: After the body is stimulated by cold, yang energy becomes suppressed, leading to a pronounced feeling of coldness. Even adding clothing or staying in a warm environment does not quickly relieve discomfort. This is a typical initial symptom of a cold induced by exposure to cold.

2. Nasal congestion and clear runny nose: When the nasal mucosa is invaded by cold, it causes congestion and swelling, impairing nasal airflow. The nose produces watery discharge that is thin and non-viscous. Frequent wiping can irritate the skin around the nostrils.

3. Sneezing: Cold pathogens stimulate nerves in the nasal mucosa, triggering reflexive sneezing—often occurring in successive bursts—to expel irritants from the nasal cavity and relieve mucosal discomfort.

4. Body aches: Cold invades the meridians, disrupting smooth circulation of qi and blood, resulting in soreness and pain in muscles and joints throughout the body. Limbs feel weak, and discomfort may worsen during physical activity, affecting daily functioning.

5. Mild fever: Some patients develop low-grade fever, typically with body temperature below 38°C. The onset of fever is gradual, without persistent high fever, and may be accompanied by slight dizziness or headache.

Once symptoms of a cold due to cold exposure appear, timely warming measures should be taken, plenty of warm water should be consumed to promote metabolism, and diet should remain light and easily digestible. If symptoms progressively worsen or are accompanied by cough, sore throat, or similar issues, prompt medical attention is necessary for targeted treatment to prevent prolonged illness.