Question
For a 11-month-old baby, what possibilities should be considered if they exhibit symptoms of a cold and cough?
Answer
For a 11-month-old infant, since the trachea is not fully developed, if coughing symptoms arise, one should primarily consider the possibility of bronchitis. Generally, bronchitis is caused by viral infections and lasts about a week. If the baby has a runny nose, it is highly likely to be due to a viral infection. If dry cough occurs, it should be considered more as a gastrointestinal disorder caused by viral infection. It is recommended to take symptomatic oral medications and pay attention to feeding. If the symptoms do not show significant improvement, seek medical attention promptly for a follow-up visit to clarify the condition and adjust the treatment plan. During the treatment period, the patient needs to maintain regular eating and sleeping habits, actively participate in physical exercise, regulate physical and mental health, maintain personal hygiene, and avoid bacterial infections due to decreased immunity.