Question
Doctor, my three-year-old child with sickle cell anemia has been coughing for two days. On the first day, it happened once, and at dawn on the third day, it happened three times. Which cough medicine is suitable to use?
Answer
Sickle cell anemia is a common name for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, a genetic disorder. Children with this condition usually look no different from normal children, but they may experience acute hemolysis when consuming beans or taking certain medications (such as quinine, furan, sulfonamides, analgesics, water-soluble vitamin K3, K4, and their derivatives). This hemolytic anemia develops rapidly and progresses quickly, usually appearing within 1 to 2 days after consuming beans or taking medication. For cough symptoms, it is recommended to use cough medicine suitable for children and to avoid medications that may cause hemolysis. If the condition persists or worsens, immediate medical attention should be sought.