Common Cold and Flu

A common cold is caused by viral infections of the upper respiratory tract- the nose and throat. Symptoms exhibited include running nose, sore throat, cough, tearing eyes and sneezing.

A common flu is caused by influenza viruses that attack the respiratory system, which runs from the nose and throat to the bronchial tubes and lungs. It carries symptoms similar to that of the common cold, but with sudden attacks.

TCM believes that changing seasons bring with them external pathogens that may have unfavourable influences on your body. There are six general groups of external pathogens, namely Wind, Heat, Dampness, Fire, Dryness and Cold. Depending on the seasonal influence or environmental changes, groups of external pathogens may occur together.

The symptoms of the common cold and flu come as a result of the battle between the Protective Qi (Zhengi, 正气, which has a similar concept to immunity) of the body and the external pathogens. When the Protective Qi in your body is weak, you are more vulnerable to pathogen attacks, thus falling ill.

Disharmony Patterns of the Common Cold and Flu

In general, TCM differentiates cold and flu according to the patterns of disharmony, as well as the related root causes. The most common ailment-causing patterns are Wind-Heat, Wind-Cold and Dampness. It is advisable to seek professional consultation from a licensed physician to have your condition accurately diagnosed.

• Wind-Heat Pattern

  Cold and flu symptoms caused by Wind and Heat pathogens are more prevalent during spring and summer, and at places with tropical climates. Common symptoms include a high body temperature; a difficulty in sweating; a slight aversion to the wind; a sore throat and turbid nasal discharge with yellowish phlegm.

• Wind-Cold Pattern

  The cold and flu caused by Wind and Cold pathogens, commonly occur during winter or in a cool or cold environment. Symptoms include a severe aversion to cold; a slight increase in body temperature; no sweating; running nose with clear nasal discharge; chest congestion; sneezing; an itching throat; cough with clear mucus.

• Dampness Pattern

  Individuals with the cold and flu caused by Dampness pathogens will constantly feel the presence of Heat in the body but have no significant increase in body temperature. Other symptoms include constant thirst with mild sweating; fatigue; lethargy and an occasional chest tightness.

Tips to Prevent Cold and Flu

• Fortify your Immune System

  TCM believes that when the Protective Qi is at equilibrium, your body’s natural resistance against diseases and healing ability are at their optimum. The rule of thumb is to remove the excess and replenish the deficiency, so as to maintain a balance of Yin and Yang, as well as a healthy body.

  Chinese herbs widely used to reinforce Qi and fortify immune system are Astragalus Root (Huangqi, 黄芪), Solomon’s Seal Rhizome (Huangjing, 黄精), Codonopsis Root (Dangshen, 党参), Ginseng (Renshen, 人参), Lingzhi (灵芝) and Cordyceps (Dongcongxiacao, 冬虫夏草).

• Get Adequate Rest

  A proper work-rest balance is crucial for your body to recharge and maintain internal harmony. Work and rest according to your body’s meridian clock to help keep your body function at its optimum.

• De-stress

  Stress is one of the lifestyle factors that may trigger diseases. Adequate physical exercise, rest, diet, acupuncture or Chinese herbs can all play a part to relieve stress.

• Have a Proper Diet

  Eating too much greasy, sweet, chilled or raw foods will lead to stagnation of Qi. This stagnation will in turn cause diseases, pain or more severe imbalances in your body. Alter your dietary habits to promote healthy digestion.

• Exercise

  Moderate exercises help in the smooth flow of Qi and Blood. Workouts such as Taichi are believed to help in generating, storing and reinforcing Qi in your body.

Cough

When you cough, it is due to your body’s natural reaction of clearing the irritants in your throat and airways. If your cough persists for a long period of time or if you produce unusual secretions (of mucus or blood), it may signal some underlying health conditions that require medical attention.

TCM physicians take into consideration the main characteristics of the cough, such as the coughing sound, when the cough is most frequent, the sputum and other accompanying symptoms to identify the specific cough pattern before prescribing suitable treatments.

Disharmony Patterns

The root causes of cough can be generally due to external pathogens or internal functional imbalance.

Cough can be caused by groups of external pathogens (Wind, Cold, Dampness, Dryness, Heat and Fire) which may attack singly or in combinations. It usually has a sudden onset and lasts for a short period. However, if treatment is not suitable, the cough may aggravate internal imbalances.

Wind pathogen is the main cause for exterior coughs. It first invades the skin and the Protective Qi, which is governed by the Lungs. Next, it impairs the descending Lung-Qi and causes cough. These are some of the common patterns of cough:

• Wind-Heat Cough

  General symptoms such as a harsh and loud-sounding cough; rough breathing; thick yellow phlegm that’s difficult to expectorate; dry mouth or sore throat; thirst; fever; perspiration; an aversion to cold; headache; general aching; yellow nasal discharge.

• Wind-Cold Cough

  General symptoms such as a weak coughing sound; slight breathlessness; little white phlegm; runny nose with thin white nasal discharge; headache; aching limbs; absence of perspiration; fever; an aversion to cold.

• Wind-Dryness Cough

  General symptoms include a dry or sore throat; dry or chapped lips, mouth, nose and skin; scanty or sticky phlegm that’s difficult to expectorate; cough with chest pain; stuffy nose; headache; slight aversion to cold; fever.

• Dryness-Heat Cough

  General symptoms include a husky coughing sound, thick or blood-tinged phlegm, dryness of nose cavity and lips; itchy and sore throat; fever; aversion to wind.

  A cough that’s caused by internal functional imbalance develops gradually. It is attributable to dysfunctions not limited to the Lungs, but also to other organ systems which are closely related to the Lungs such as Liver, Spleen or Stomach.

• Lung-Yin Deficiency Cough

  General symptoms such as a short, hasty and dry cough; dry nose, mouth and throat; sore throat; flushed cheeks and being prone to night perspiration.

• Lung-Qi Deficiency Cough

  General symptoms include a weak coughing sound; occasional shortness of breath; weak voice; little clear phlegm; spontaneous or profuse sweating during daytime; paleness; fatigue; an aversion to wind and cold.

• Liver-Fire Cough

  General symptoms include a barking sound of cough with a painful sensation at the chest region; yellow or blood-tinged phlegm that is difficult to expectorate; breathlessness; headache; dizziness; flushed face; a constant thirst; bitter sensation in the mouth; dry throat; scanty dark urine; constipation.

• Damp Cough

  General symptoms include a continuous cough with a heavy turbid sound; profuse white watery or foamy phlegm; indigestion; fullness in the chest; poor appetite; fatigue; loose stools.

• Heat Cough

  General symptoms include a rough and husky cough; hasty breathing; thick yellow or blood-tinged phlegm that is difficult to expectorate; distension or pain in the chest.

Tips to Prevent Cough

Like any other dis-ease prevention methods, there are no shortcuts to prevent coughs. You have to strengthen your body’s defences and protect yourself from external pathogens in the environment.

The basic rule in maintaining a harmonious balance in your body is still to remove any excesses and nourish the deficient. If you tend to develop a cough easily, tonify the Lungs by incorporating Lung-tonifying herbs in your diet such as Codonopsis Root (Danshen, 党参), Cordyceps (Dongcongxiacao, 冬虫夏草), Lily Bulb (Baihe, 百合) or Ginseng (Renshen, 人参).

Alter your lifestyle habits by adopting a healthy diet, getting enough rest, getting adequate exercise and reducing your emotional stress so as to build up your body’s natural immune system.

Sore Throat

Sore throat is a common dis-ease affecting the pharynx or the area around your tonsils, where dryness and discomforts can lead to soreness. It is one of the most commonly seen symptoms of the cold or flu. In most cases, discomfort in the throat is the first sign that you are getting vulnerable to pathogens. In some cases, sore throat may persist.

Similar to cough, sore throat is a dis-ease caused by external pathogens or internal functional imbalances, mostly related to accumulated body heat. A sore throat originated by external pathogens often has an acute attack, and other symptoms like fever, an aversion to cold, headache and sneezing can be observed. A sore throat caused by internal functional imbalances is often chronic and is associated with different symptoms depending on its root causes.

In TCM, the careful differentiation of the associated symptoms and root causes is important in treating a sore throat effectively. It is advisable that you consult a licensed physician if your sore throat symptoms persist.

Soothing a Sore Throat

TCM focuses on relieving pain, clearing internal heat and replenishing Yin when treating sore throat. Acupuncture and therapeutic massage may also offer quick relief to sore throats by applying pressure to specific acupoints or related regions on the body.

Peppermint (Bohe, 薄荷), Momormica Fruit (Luohanguo 罗汉果), Cicada Slough (Chantui, 蝉蜕), Blackberrylily Rhizome (Shegan, 射干) and Chrysanthemum (Juhua, 菊花) are some of the Chinese herbs that help to ease a sore throat.

Classical formulae such as Ganluyin (甘露饮, Heat Expulsion Granules) and Yinqiaosan (银翘散, Fever Relief Granules) are widely used to relieve the common cold, fever as well as sore throat.

Drink warm water regularly to ease the pain and keep your throat moisturised. Honey is a good alternative to soothe the discomfort. Herbal tea or herbal lozenges with specific indications are also useful if taken appropriately.