Question
My son has severe coughing in the morning and before bedtime. He also coughs during the day. Today, I took him to the hospital, and the doctor listened to his throat and said there was inflammation in the trachea, with coughing accompanied by wheezing. The doctor prescribed Azythromycin dispersible tablets and mentholated tea, along with non-sedative antihistamines. I’m not very keen on giving my child anti-inflammatory medication. Are there any traditional Chinese medicine treatments for tracheitis? I’m currently giving him an antiviral oral liquid and a fluid for resolving phlegm and stopping coughing. Is it okay to continue with these?
Answer
Tracheitis is characterized by coughing, expectoration, and wheezing, with causes often due to external wind-heat or wind-cold. Treatment medications include Amoxicillin, Guaifenesin oral solution, and Levofloxacin. Ribavirin granules are antiviral drugs, and it is recommended to have a blood test for your child. If there is no viral infection, you may not need this medication. In severe cases, intravenous fluid therapy is recommended. One also needs to be vigilant about mycoplasma infections; if mycoplasma infection is present, it is suggested to use intravenous fluid therapy with Erythromycin injection or oral Azythromycin dry suspension powder.