Question
The child weighed less than five pounds at birth and was discharged after observation in the nursery. The child is weak in constitution and now has a cough with a sound of phlegm. Since the child is too young to express, there is concern about potential health issues. What should be done when a child coughs with phlegm?
Answer
Based on the description, the baby may have newborn pneumonia and it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention for a detailed examination and treatment. Since the baby is very young, it is prone to developing severe pneumonia or other diseases, and close observation should be made for symptoms such as vomiting, reduced milk intake, frothing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. At the same time, precautions should be taken to avoid choking on milk which could worsen the symptoms, and close attention should be paid to the baby’s mental state and milk intake.