What is the Syndrome of Cold Injury by the Sun?
Sun Cold Damage Syndrome
Sun Cold Damage Syndrome, a term in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), refers to a set of symptoms that arise after exposure to cold and wind pathogens, including severe aversion to cold, mild fever, headache and body aches, nasal congestion, and rhinorrhea.Etiology and Pathogenesis
1. External Cold and Wind Invasion: Due to insufficient vital energy in the body, harmony between the exterior and interior is disrupted, causing abnormal opening and closing of the pores. When invaded by cold and wind pathogens, the lung qi fails to disperse and descend properly, leading to cold symptoms.
2. Improper Diet: Consuming cold or raw foods frequently or overeating can damage spleen and stomach functions, weakening their ability to transform and transport nutrients. This results in impaired distribution of body fluids throughout the body, predisposing to this syndrome.
Clinical Manifestations
1. Severe Aversion to Cold: Typically, patients experience a pronounced aversion to cold without marked fever, accompanied by headache, body aches, and other discomforts.
2. Mild Fever: Some individuals may have slight fever, but it usually does not exceed 37.5°C.
3. Headache and Body Aches: Commonly manifested as pain in the head or a specific body part, often intense in nature.
4. Nasal Congestion and Rhinorrhea: Due to weakened immune function, the body becomes susceptible to bacterial infections, leading to nasal congestion and runny nose. Additional symptoms may include a thin white tongue coating and a floating and tight pulse. Timely medical attention is recommended to avoid disease progression.
