Question
My child is 4 years old and has been on medication for over half a month, including expectorants, anti-inflammatory drugs, and cold medicine, but the persistent cough has not been completely cured. How should one care for a child with pediatric pneumonia to improve the situation?
Answer
Home Care: 1. Keep the indoor environment clean and dust-free; avoid smoking in the child’s room. Use wet cloths or mops for cleaning and ensure that air conditioning units are clean before use. Maintain a relatively stable indoor temperature as sudden changes can exacerbate coughing or throat discomfort. Keep the humidity in the room by using a humidifier or placing wet towels and basins indoors. 2. When coughing severely, elevate the child’s upper body by sitting up or placing some towels under the blankets to make the child more comfortable. Meanwhile, gently pat the back to help expel phlegm. 3. When phlegm blocks the throat, let the child drink cold water or juice in small amounts, several times, which can help loosen mucus. If coughing is accompanied by vomiting, choose easily digestible foods.