Every time the seasons change, with the variation in weather, colds also enter a high incidence period. So, when facing patients with colds, how should we recommend medication as staff? Let’s take a look at the classification of colds and the corresponding suitable medications!
01 Classification of Colds
Western medicine classifies colds into common colds and influenza, while Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) classifies colds into Wind-Heat (Feng Re) colds, Wind-Cold (Feng Han) colds, Summer-Damp (Shu Shi) colds, and Wind-Dry (Feng Zao) colds.
02 Symptoms and Medications for Different Colds
1. Symptoms and Medications for Wind-Heat Colds
Wind-Heat Cold: This is caused by the invasion of Wind-Heat evil and disharmony of Lung Qi. It often occurs in spring and summer, with symptoms summarized as nasal congestion, thick phlegm, and thirst. Specific symptoms include high fever, slight chills, nasal obstruction, thick yellow nasal discharge, thirst with a preference for drinking, yellow urine, red throat, and dryness. Patients may choose Yin Qiao Jie Du Ye (Yin Qiao Detoxifying Liquid) (Zhong Sheng), Amoxicillin, Yin Huang Di Wan (Yin Huang Pill), Chuan Xin Lian Nei Zhi Ruan Jiao Nang (Chuan Xin Lian Soft Capsules), etc. Among them, Yin Qiao Jie Du Ye is a classic formula with guaranteed efficacy, quick effect due to its volatile components, and is recommended in multiple guidelines such as the “Guidelines for TCM Treatment of Common Colds”.
Combined Medication for Wind-Heat Colds
|
Type |
Symptoms |
Combined Medication |
Advantages |
|
Wind-Heat Cold |
High fever, sore throat, sore limbs, dry mouth, cough with thick yellow phlegm |
Zhong Sheng Wan + Yin Qiao Jie Du Ye + Amoxicillin Capsules + Vitamin C |
Zhong Sheng Wan clears heat and detoxifies, invigorates blood and cools blood, relieves inflammation and pain; Yin Qiao Jie Du Ye disperses wind and clears heat, treating fever and headache caused by colds, cough, dry mouth, and sore throat; Amoxicillin relieves inflammation, and supplementing Vitamin C can shorten the duration of the cold. |
2. Symptoms and Medications for Wind-Cold Colds
Wind-Cold Cold: This cold is caused by exposure to cold wind, more common in autumn and winter. Symptoms include aversion to cold, fear of wind, no sweating, clear nasal discharge, thin white phlegm, and cough. Patients may choose Gan Mao Qing Re Jiao Nang (Cold Relief Capsules), Gan Mao Shu Feng Pian (Cold Wind Dispelling Tablets), Feng Han Gan Mao Ke Li (Wind-Cold Cold Granules), etc.
Combined Medication for Wind-Cold Colds
|
Type |
Symptoms |
Combined Medication |
Advantages |
|
Wind-Cold Cold |
Severe chills, clear nasal discharge, heavy nasal congestion, cough with thin white phlegm |
Gan Mao Qing Re Jiao Nang + Compound Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride Sustained-Release Capsules + Protein Powder |
Gan Mao Qing Re Jiao Nang disperses wind and scatters cold, treating clear nasal discharge; Compound Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride Sustained-Release Capsules relieve nasal congestion; Protein Powder supplements protein to enhance the body’s resistance. |
3. Symptoms and Medications for Wind-Dry Colds
Wind-Dry Cold: This often occurs in autumn and is caused by the invasion of dryness. Symptoms include fever, dry cough, little or no phlegm, blood-streaked phlegm, dry mouth, dry eyes, dry nose, and thirst. Patients may choose Xue Li Gao (Snow Pear Syrup), Chuan Bei Xue Li Gao (Chuan Bei Snow Pear Syrup), etc.
Combined Medication for Wind-Dry Colds
|
Type |
Symptoms |
Combined Medication |
Advantages |
|
Wind-Dry Cold |
Headache, dry throat, sore throat, cough, blood-streaked phlegm |
Chuan Bei Xue Li Gao + Yang Yin Qing Fei Wan + Roxithromycin Capsules |
Chuan Bei Xue Li Gao has the effect of moistening the lungs and stopping cough, generating fluids and soothing the throat; Yang Yin Qing Fei Wan treats dry throat and dry cough with little phlegm; Roxithromycin Capsules treat pharyngitis and tonsillitis. |
4. Symptoms and Medications for Summer-Damp Colds
Summer-Damp Cold: This often occurs in summer, with main symptoms being aversion to cold, fever, headache, head heaviness, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment should focus on clearing summer heat, dispelling dampness, and relieving the exterior. Patients may choose Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Ye (Huo Xiang Correct Qi Liquid), Yin Qiao Jie Du Wan (Yin Qiao Detoxifying Pill), etc.
Combined Medication for Summer-Damp Colds
|
Type |
Symptoms |
Combined Medication |
Advantages |
|
Summer-Damp Cold |
Dizziness, nausea, aversion to cold, fever |
Huo Xiang Qu Shu Ruan Jiao Nang + Qing Re Qu Shi Ke Li + Vitamin C |
Huo Xiang Qu Shu Ruan Jiao Nang dispels summer heat and transforms dampness, relieves the exterior and harmonizes; Qing Re Qu Shi Ke Li clears heat and dispels dampness, tonifies Qi and generates fluids, and supplementing Vitamin C can shorten the duration of the cold. |
5. Symptoms and Medications for Influenza Colds
Influenza Cold: This is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the influenza virus, characterized by strong infectivity and rapid transmission. Clinical manifestations typically include sudden high fever, body aches, significant fatigue, and mild respiratory symptoms, with serious complications and mortality. Patients may choose Yin Qiao Jie Du Ye (Yin Qiao Detoxifying Liquid) (Zhong Sheng), Lian Hua Qing Wen Jiao Nang (Lian Hua Qing Wen Capsules), Qing Wen Jie Du Pian (Qing Wen Detoxifying Tablets), etc., among which Yin Qiao Jie Du Ye is recommended in the latest “Influenza Diagnosis and Treatment Plan” of 2018.
Combined Medication for Influenza Colds
|
Type |
Symptoms |
Combined Medication |
Advantages |
|
Influenza Cold |
Chills, fever, headache, body aches |
Oseltamivir + Yin Qiao Jie Du Ye + Transfer Factor Oral Liquid |
Oseltamivir inhibits the spread of the influenza virus in the body, Yin Qiao Jie Du Ye treats fever and headache, and Transfer Factor Oral Liquid assists Oseltamivir in exerting its effects. |
03 Health Maintenance
After customers purchase medications, we can advise them on some daily prevention methods and dietary remedies for colds, allowing them to feel our caring service.
1. TCM Health Maintenance Formula
Ingredients and Method: Dang Shen (Codonopsis) 10g, Huang Qi (Astragalus) 10g, Ling Zhi (Reishi Mushroom) 6g, Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries) 6g, Da Zao (Jujube) 15g, lean meat 100g, stew into soup.
Effect: Enhances physical fitness and prevents colds.
2. Home Health Maintenance
1. Taking Vitamin C can shorten the duration of colds and alleviate symptoms such as cough and sneezing.
Rest more to preserve recovery strength and avoid complications.
2. Pay attention to warmth and take hot baths.
3. Eat light foods, reduce fats, meats, and dairy, and increase fresh fruits to lessen bodily stress.
4. Drink more water to replenish important fluids lost during colds and help eliminate harmful impurities.
5. Avoid smoking, as it interferes with the ciliary activity that fights infections.
6. Gargling with salt water can relieve discomfort.
7. Avoid crowded public places.
8. Maintain moderate and regular outdoor exercise to enhance the body’s immunity.
Source: Dian Xun Tong (店讯通)
