Question
A 4-month-old baby is experiencing symptoms such as runny nose, cough, excessive phlegm, and hoarseness. How should one handle the situation?
Answer
Considering the baby’s age and symptoms, it’s likely that they have contracted a viral cold due to exposure to cold. It is recommended to carefully inspect the baby’s throat for any signs of redness and swelling. If present, regional treatment with a throat spray like Shuang Huang Lian can be used. For viral colds, antiviral treatment is suggested, which may include oral ribavirin granules, Shuang Huang Lian, in conjunction with pediatric cold granules and Chuan Bei Baxia syrup. If the mucus turns yellow, it may indicate an infection. Additionally, oral antibiotics like Zailin can be taken to prevent bacterial infections. Drinking plenty of warm water and temporarily discontinuing supplementary feeding are also recommended methods.