Question
A six-year-old boy has recently been experiencing occasional coughing, and his parents are seeking professional advice on how to deal with this situation.
Answer
Coughing is a natural defense mechanism in children to expel respiratory secretions or foreign objects. If a child only occasionally experiences mild coughing, there is usually no need to be overly concerned, and parents can continue to observe. Sometimes, coughing may be caused simply by an imbalance in saliva swallowing. However, if the cough becomes frequent or accompanied by phlegm, it may be necessary to consider upper respiratory infections or other causes, such as food aspiration. In this case, it is recommended to consult a doctor for a respiratory examination, or go to the hospital for chest X-rays and routine blood tests to rule out respiratory infections.