Acute Common Cold

The common cold is called gan mao in Chinese. In Chinese medicine, it is believed to be caused by the invasion of the superficial layers of the body by a pathogenic wind. The wind is typically accompanied by cold, heat, dampness, or dryness, which give each episode of gan mao its unique characteristics. Common symptoms of gan mao include acute fever and chills, headache, nasal congestion or discharge, vomiting and diarrhea, sore throat, and a floating pulse.

Common cold disorders are generally predictable in their outcome and resolve quickly with appropriate treatment. The key to success is timely intervention, as early treatment can help ensure faster resolution. If improper treatment is applied, the person is weak, or they choose to push through the illness without resting, the pathogen may progress further into the body. This type of penetration is commonly seen in practice and is often expressed as a "cold that never went away."