Question
What could be the reasons for a child’s persistent dry cough without phlegm? How should it be managed?
Answer
Children, due to their weaker immunity compared to adults, are more susceptible to diseases. Children’s constitution is classified as “pure yang,” with a heavier presence of internal heat, which can lead to pulmonary heat symptoms. Pulmonary heat cough often manifests as recurrent coughing, excessive phlegm, dry mouth, sore throat, constipation, dark urine color, slightly elevated body temperature, red tongue, and thin yellow greasy coating. Treatment for pulmonary heat cough should focus on clearing lung fire, promoting lung ventilation and asthma relief, and resolving phlegm and cough. Medication treatment and dietary adjustment can be adopted. While taking medication, attention should be paid to a light diet and the consumption of moderate amounts of foods that have a expectorant, cooling, and cough-relieving effect. Additionally, ensuring sufficient rest time and appropriate participation in physical activities to enhance constitution is important.