Question
My child is 4 years old and has been on medication for almost half a month, including expectorant syrup, anti-inflammatory drugs, and cold medicine. However, there is still a bit of coughing that doesn’t seem to go away. How can one distinguish between pediatric pneumonia and the common cold?
Answer
Children with the common cold typically have coughing symptoms that are relatively mild. Patients with pediatric pneumonia usually experience coughing accompanied by wheezing, as well as difficulty breathing. Children with the common cold generally have a good mental state, while those with pneumonia may cry or become unconscious. Children with the common cold may have a fever, but usually below 38℃, while those with pneumonia often have temperatures above 38℃ and can persist for several days. There are many treatment methods for diseases, but since patient conditions vary, the medical treatments adopted also differ. Therefore, it is necessary for patients to go to professional hospitals for detailed examinations as soon as possible so that appropriate medication can be administered.