The difference between a hot cough and a cold cough can be seen in the following aspects: 1. The cough is different in terms of sputum. Patients with a hot cough usually show yellow sputum, which is sticky and not easy to cough up. A cold cough is characterized by white sputum, which is thin and easy to cough up. 2. In terms of accompanying symptoms, a hot cough is usually accompanied by a sore throat, a runny nose, a red tongue, and less moss. In contrast, patients with a cold cough usually have a runny nose and nasal congestion, and a light red tongue with a thin white coating. 3. In terms of treatment, a hot cough needs to be treated with drugs that clear wind and heat and promote the lung to stop coughing, while a cold cough needs to be treated with drugs that clear wind and disperse cold and promote the lung to stop coughing.