Question
My child has a cough with phlegm. They have taken paracetamol, antiviral drugs, and cefixime along with compounded licorice tablets, but the cough and phlegm persist. What medication should they take and how should the treatment be conducted?
Answer
If your child has a cough with white phlegm, it may be a sign of a cold-induced pharyngitis. It is recommended to take cefixime orally for at least five days, and also to take medications with cooling blood properties, such as Chuanbei Xueli Paste, to promote the excretion of phlegm, which can help alleviate cough symptoms and repair inflammation. If the cough is severe, a cough suppressant like benzhexol can be used short-term. During the treatment period, closely monitor the child’s body temperature and increase their fluid intake.