Question

A 5-year-old child has been coughing at night but not during the day for a week now, with a little phlegm. They have already received oral medication, including symptomatic anti-inflammatory medication, and are seeking further treatment advice.

Answer

Children’s nighttime cough may be more severe than during the day due to easier irritation of the airways during breathing. If the duration does not exceed a week, it might just be a common cold causing the cough; however, if the duration is longer, it could be pneumonia, bronchitis, or pharyngitis. The following measures are recommended:

  1. Seek medical examination promptly: If the cough persists for a long time, it is advisable to take the child to the hospital for a chest X-ray to rule out pneumonia and decide whether medication is needed based on the condition.
  2. Take medication: Method one: Prepare medicine using “Xiangcǎogēn” (Houttuynia) and “Pīpāyè” (Loquat leaves), add an appropriate amount of rock sugar, boil and cool before drinking; do not drink the sediment. Method two: Purchase “Children’s Pīpā Qingfèi Granule” for oral administration, which is a medicine specifically designed for children. In terms of diet, avoid eating foods that easily irritate the respiratory tract, especially fish. Also, drink more milk or water, which can help alleviate coughing. Keeping the indoor air ventilated is also important.