Question
My two-year-old baby has had a persistent cough and phlegm in the throat for over 20 days. We have been administering antibiotics, including cephalosporin drugs, and have also undergone two days of intravenous drip. Currently, there is an excessive amount of phlegm in the throat, and an X-ray shows signs of bronchitis. Blood routine tests show normal white blood cell count. I’m not sure what to do now. Since it’s winter, I’m wondering if it’s due to catching a cold at night or because he often takes off his shoes. I visited a local hospital, and the doctor suggested using an electric heating pad and a stove, but I have stopped using them, and the condition has not improved; it has even worsened. I would like to know about the symptoms of mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia, can one get mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia without a fever?
Answer
Considering the possibility of a lung infection, it is recommended to observe the color of the phlegm. If it is white, it may be a common gastrointestinal infection; however, if the phlegm appears red, yellow, or green, it is advisable to conduct sputum culture and drug sensitivity tests to determine whether there is a severe bacterial or viral infection. Choose the appropriate antibiotic based on the culture results. Some expectorants like ambroxol can be used, along with nebulizer therapy to assist in treatment.