Question
My son is 1 year old and usually has a strong immune system, rarely getting sick. Recently, due to bad weather and heavy smog, he has been coughing on and off, but it doesn’t affect his appetite, and he still seems energetic. I want to ask, should I take him to the hospital if he has a persistent cough?
Answer
If your baby experiences a cough again, it might be due to an acute upper respiratory infection, possibly related to catching a cold or bacterial infection. If the cough is not treated promptly, it could lead to respiratory diseases such as pneumonia or bronchitis. If symptoms like recurrent fever and difficulty breathing reappear, it is advisable to give your baby plenty of water and seek medical attention promptly to avoid misdiagnosing the condition. In general, you should encourage your baby to drink plenty of plain water.