Question
A child of 38 months old has been suffering from persistent cough for two months, with varying intensity, worsening after exercise. They have taken Chinese medicine cough tablets and Western medicine antibiotics without effect, with no other adverse reactions. The doctor’s examination of the throat and lungs did not reveal any obvious problems, and expert opinions are sought.
Answer
The cause of the cough may include environmental heat, dry air, cold and hot stimuli, food irritation, lung and stomach heat, fire syndrome, early stage of common cold, pharyngitis, or lung inflammation. It is necessary to determine the cause by integrating symptoms and physical examination results and provide treatment. For home care, it is important to maintain a suitable temperature, drink plenty of water, avoid drastic changes in temperature, and consider strengthening nutrition and boosting immunity, such as trying colostrum.