Question
My child is 3.5 years old and has been suffering from a persistent cough for 5 days now. What should I do?
Answer
Coughing is not an independent disease in itself but a defensive reaction to clear foreign bodies from the respiratory tract. Mild coughs can be relieved by treating the underlying cause without the need for cough suppressants. However, if the cough is severe and affects the child’s quality of life, consider using cough suppressants to alleviate symptoms. When selecting cough suppressants, choose appropriate medications based on the child’s age and condition. At the same time, pay attention to other symptoms such as fever or difficulty breathing to detect and treat potential causes in a timely manner.