Question
My child is four years old. Since he was a baby, he has coughed whenever he catches a cold, and the symptoms recur throughout the year. He also sweats a lot; he’s covered in sweat even after a short play. We’ve had tests and treatments, including antibiotics and sometimes intravenous fluids, but the cough keeps coming back. Is there a better way to deal with this than going to the hospital?
Answer
Based on your description, your child’s condition may be indicative of lung qi deficiency. The recurrent cough and failure to resolve suggest a possibility of allergic cough (atypical asthma). One, if your child is cooperative, consider pulmonary function tests to confirm the diagnosis. Two, if your child refuses, you can use ketotifen and salbutamol tablets orally for diagnostic treatment. If the cough significantly improves, it suggests an allergic cough. Steroids like beclomethasone and ipratropium bromide can be used for inhaled anti-inflammatory treatment. Three, Yupingfeng Powder can be used to replenish qi, increase sweating, and lower resistance. It should be taken regularly for at least three months.