Question
A 17-month-old baby does not cough during the day but frequently coughs at night, a condition that has persisted for about 5 days. Although medication has been taken, there seems to be no improvement. The baby has previously had pneumonia, and the parents are seeking advice on how to help their child.
Answer
Based on the description, the baby’s nighttime cough may be due to allergies. In this case, the cough is typically dry and worsens at night or in the morning, and also after exercise. Allergic coughs often occur due to a weakened immune system leading to recurrent episodes. Therefore, prevention is key to treatment. It is recommended to give the baby some traditional Chinese medicine that can tonify qi and strengthen the body’s surface, such as Yu Ping Feng San, to enhance the baby’s immunity. At the same time, avoid eating cold and raw foods, and try giving the baby some ginger-sugar water to alleviate symptoms. If medication treatment is ineffective, it is advisable to seek professional medical advice.