Question
A 15-month-old baby has a cough and runny nose. Heat patches and cold medicine have been used, but there has been no improvement. The baby is not feverish now, but has a poor appetite. Is it necessary to take the baby to the hospital for a check-up?
Answer
Although the baby has recovered from fever, they still have symptoms of coughing and a runny nose, and the use of ceftriaxone and cold medicine has been ineffective. It is recommended to consider nebulizer treatment for the baby in addition to the current treatment to help clear the respiratory tract and relieve coughing. At the same time, it is advisable to bring the baby back to the hospital for a follow-up visit after one week of medication. If there is no improvement or the symptoms worsen, it may be necessary to adjust the medication. Moreover, although pneumonia cannot be completely ruled out, it usually accompanies other symptoms such as rapid breathing and loss of appetite. Parents should closely monitor the baby’s condition, and seek medical attention as soon as there are any concerns.