Question
A baby who started coughing with phlegm in early November has occasional coughs that last 15 seconds to half a minute. The baby has visited a pediatrician and taken medications such as Xingbei, Pudilan, Ceftriaxone, and Azithromycin. The grandmother is worried about the development of drug resistance from long-term medication use, so she stopped the medication last week. Although the condition improved temporarily due to the medication, the baby still coughs during playtime, before bedtime, and upon waking up.
Answer
Based on the patient’s description, the cough improved after taking Azithromycin, suggesting a possible infection with mycoplasma or chlamydia. The condition may also be related to allergic cough. Firstly, continue the treatment with Azithromycin. Secondly, as Pudilan is a cold medicine, it is recommended to reduce its use during this season, as diseases at this time of year are related to coldness. Thirdly, diagnostic treatments with medications such as ketotifen and salbutamol can be considered. If the cough significantly improves, consider the possibility of allergic cough and treat with standard treatment protocols using medications such as Fosinex and Pulmicort Respules.