Question
A child presents with dry cough followed by symptoms of runny nose. The doctor diagnoses it as chronic bronchitis. After initial treatment with cough suppressants and anti-inflammatory drugs proved ineffective, the child underwent four days of intravenous fluid therapy, but the cough did not improve. What should be done next?
Answer
Chronic bronchitis in children refers to repeated episodes of bronchial infections lasting less than 2 years and occurring for less than 2 months each year. The main symptoms include coughing, wheezing, inflammation, and phlegm. X-ray chest scans may show changes such as interstitial chronic bronchitis or pulmonary emphysema. While undergoing antimicrobial treatment, it is advisable to use expectorants and cough suppressants to alleviate symptoms. Additionally, medications that help dissolve mucus in the airways and promote expectoration can be used. If the cough persists, it may weaken the constitution and lead to spleen-lung deficiency. Therefore, it is beneficial to consume foods that strengthen the spleen, lungs, kidneys, regulate qi (vital energy), and cool blood, such as pork, beef, and lamb lungs, as well as loquats, oranges, pears, honeysuckle, jujubes, lotus seeds, apricots, walnuts, and honey. These foods help to enhance constitution and stabilize symptoms.