Source: Hongxing eLife (WeChat ID: jcyscom)
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), colds are typically classified into Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat types. Wind-Cold colds are caused by the invasion of Wind-Cold pathogens, and should be treated with warming and dispersing herbs. If cooling herbs are mistakenly used, the Wind-Cold cannot be expelled through sweating, leading to a prolonged illness. Wind-Heat colds are caused by the invasion of Wind-Heat pathogens, and should be treated with cooling herbs. The use of warming herbs can exacerbate the Heat pathogen, potentially leading to more severe illnesses. Wind-Heat can occur in all seasons, and it is important not to assume that Wind-Cold occurs only in winter and Wind-Heat only in summer. Differentiating between Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat is crucial for appropriate treatment and avoiding misdiagnosis.
Differentiation between Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat:
Fever Symptoms
Wind-Cold Cold: Mild fever. Severe chills. No sweating.
Wind-Heat Cold: High fever. Mild chills. Sweating present.
Rhinorrhea Symptoms
Wind-Cold Cold: Clear nasal discharge. Coughing with thin white phlegm.
Wind-Heat Cold: Yellow nasal discharge. Coughing with thick or yellow phlegm.
Throat Symptoms
Wind-Cold Cold: No redness, swelling, or pain in the throat.
Wind-Heat Cold: Redness, swelling, and pain in the throat.
Thirst Symptoms
Wind-Cold Cold: No thirst or mild thirst. Prefers warm drinks. Tongue coating is thin and white.
Wind-Heat Cold: Thirsty and prefers cold drinks. Tongue tip and edges are red with a yellow coating.
Causes of Illness
Wind-Cold Cold: Invasion of Wind-Cold pathogens, leading to lung Qi deficiency.
Wind-Heat Cold: Invasion of Wind-Heat pathogens, leading to lung Qi stagnation.
Treatment
Wind-Cold Cold: Focus on dispersing Wind-Cold and using warming herbs to release the exterior [primarily inducing sweating and dispersing Cold].
Wind-Heat Cold: Focus on dispersing Wind-Heat and using cooling herbs to clear Heat and detoxify.
Dietary Adjustments
Wind-Cold Cold: After taking medicine, one can drink some porridge or hot soup to induce mild sweating and expel Wind-Cold.
Wind-Heat Cold: Drink plenty of water and maintain a light diet.
Dr. Chai Haoran has summarized three key experiences in differentiating Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat colds:
First, differentiate based on constitution: Individuals with a Yang deficiency constitution often present with Wind-Cold symptoms, even when exposed to Wind-Heat pathogens, they may manifest as Cold due to Yin transformation. Conversely, those with Yin deficiency and blood deficiency often present with Wind-Heat symptoms, even when exposed to Wind-Cold pathogens, they may manifest as Heat due to Yang transformation.
Second, analyze suspected symptoms: Wind-Heat symptoms often include throat pain, while Wind-Cold symptoms may present with throat pain due to lung Qi stagnation. The pain is characterized by being painful but not swollen, unlike the redness and swelling seen in Wind-Heat throat pain.
Third, observe tongue and pulse signs: Wind-Heat symptoms often show a thin yellow coating on the tongue, while Wind-Cold symptoms may also show a thin yellow coating due to excessive Yang stagnation. The characteristic is a thin yellow coating with no thirst, unlike Wind-Heat symptoms which present with thirst. Additionally, Wind-Heat symptoms often have a floating and rapid pulse, while Wind-Cold symptoms may also present with a floating and rapid pulse due to Cold stagnation. The characteristic is a floating, tight, and rapid pulse, which differs from the floating and rapid pulse of Wind-Heat symptoms.
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