Question

My daughter has been coughing, with phlegm, a runny nose, and nasal congestion. She also experiences shortness of breath and difficulty breathing comfortably. She has been restless at night. After going to the hospital, the doctor said she has pediatric asthmatic bronchitis and prescribed medication for her.

Answer

Hello, there are dietary taboos for children with asthmatic bronchitis: For cold asthma, the main symptoms include coughing up clear and thin phlegm, white in color and sticky in texture, without thirst, and a stringy and slippery pulse. Therefore, individuals with cold asthma should avoid eating cold foods like pears, celery, and water chestnuts. For hot asthma, the main symptoms include sudden coughing attacks, yellow and thick phlegm that is difficult to expel, bitter taste in the mouth, thirst with a preference for drinking, feverishness with excessive sweating, red tongue with a yellow greasy coating, and a slippery rapid pulse. Therefore, individuals with hot asthma should avoid eating spicy foods such as lamb, goose meat, chili peppers, black pepper, ginger, cinnamon, star anise, and fennel to prevent exacerbating the condition. If asthma is accompanied by abdominal bloating, it is advisable to avoid legumes, taros, and sweet potatoes to prevent worsening the symptoms of shortness of breath and asthma.