Why Does the Fever Not Subside After a Cold Has Cured? How Chinese Medicine Interprets This "Tail" Phenomenon?

Author: Wang Zhengxiang, a licensed Chinese Medicine Practitioner (Practice License Number: 241410926000017). This article is written by Dr. Wang Zhengxiang, based on classical Chinese medical theories and clinical experience, and is intended for popular science reference only. The qualification can be verified on the official website of the National Health Commission of China. When the symptoms of a cold disappear, the body temperature remains around 37.3℃ to 38℃ for an entire month without subsiding. What is the matter? Many people may wonder: Why does the cold seem to have cleared up, yet the low-grade fever persists? From the perspective of Chinese medicine, this may not be a simple case of "the cold not fully cured." Instead, it could be a deeper signal from the body. Today, we will delve into the interpretation of this phenomenon in Chinese medicine.

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In Chinese medicine, the term "tail" refers to a lingering symptom that persists after the main disease has been cured. This concept is based on the understanding that the body's internal environment is not only affected by the external pathogen but also by the body's own internal factors. Therefore, when the external pathogen is eliminated, the internal factors may still cause symptoms to persist.

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There are several possible reasons for the persistent fever after a cold:

1. Weakness of the Spleen and Stomach: In Chinese medicine, the Spleen and Stomach are responsible for transforming food into Qi and blood. If the Spleen and Stomach are weakened, they may not be able to transform food effectively, leading to a deficiency of Qi and blood. This deficiency can manifest as a low-grade fever.

2. Retention of Pathogenic Factors: Even though the main symptoms of the cold have disappeared, some pathogenic factors may still remain in the body. These factors can disrupt the body's balance and cause symptoms such as fever.

3. Deficiency of the Kidneys: The Kidneys are the root of life in Chinese medicine. If the Kidneys are deficient, they may not be able to provide enough warmth to the body, leading to a low-grade fever.

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In treating post-cold fever, Chinese medicine focuses on strengthening the body's internal environment and eliminating any remaining pathogenic factors. Here are some common treatment methods:

1. Acupuncture: Acupuncture can help regulate the body's Qi and blood, strengthen the immune system, and eliminate pathogenic factors.

2. Chinese Herbs: Chinese herbs can be used to nourish the Spleen and Stomach, strengthen the Kidneys, and eliminate pathogenic factors.

3. Diet and Lifestyle: A balanced diet, adequate rest, and moderate exercise can help strengthen the body's resistance and prevent the recurrence of fever.