Question
Can a child with a cough and cold take Kintoki Ginkgo Syrup? If not, what medication is effective?
Answer
Cough and cold in children are usually caused by inflammation of the throat or trachea, with pathogens potentially being bacteria, viruses, or mycoplasma. Bacterial and viral infections are easily transmitted, while mycoplasma infections may have a delayed onset of phlegm, starting with light coughing and clear phlegm. Diagnosis requires blood tests. For children with cough, it’s important to focus on inflammation and mucus clearance rather than just clearing the lungs, as coughing helps to expel phlegm. If the child’s cough at night interferes with sleep, mild use of cough suppressants or bronchodilators can be considered. Kintoki Ginkgo Syrup is a thick syrup that can be taken directly, swallowed slowly. It’s unclear if your child is willing to cooperate, so you might want to give the medication in small amounts several times. It’s recommended to give children penicillin, cephalosporin, or erythromycin (for younger children, amoxicillin is often used because it is not affected by food breakdown). Alongside this, you can give them Chinese herbal medicines such as Qing Kai Ling or Mao Gan Granules to help clear lung and mucus. Before bedtime, giving the child salbutamol hydrochloride can reduce the impact of coughing on sleep. It’s suggested to continue medication until the child’s symptoms have disappeared for three days, and then stop once the symptoms are completely gone. Ensure your child eats a light diet and drinks plenty of water. You can also give your child ginseng and pear water to drink.