Question
A three-and-a-half-year-old child has small red spots in the mouth, without a fever, but with a slight cough. The doctor diagnosed it as an upper respiratory infection. Subsequently, the small red spots in the mouth turned into white blisters, and the child felt pain while eating. If it is confirmed to be hand, foot, and mouth disease, how should treatment be carried out?
Answer
The main feature of hand, foot, and mouth disease is the appearance of blisters in the mouth, accompanied by blisters on the hands, feet, and buttocks. The treatment of hand, foot, and mouth disease mainly focuses on antiviral therapy. However, since the child has not developed blisters on their hands and feet yet, hand, foot, and mouth disease is not currently considered as a diagnosis. It is recommended to continue treating the upper respiratory infection with antiviral granules and Kangfu Xin Liquid (a traditional Chinese medicine), and encourage the child to drink plenty of warm water. Parents should closely monitor for any blisters appearing on the child’s hands and feet. If the child is diagnosed with hand, foot, and mouth disease, immediate medical treatment should be sought to avoid self-medication and to pay attention to any changes in the child’s symptoms for timely medical assistance.