Question
The child initially had clear nasal discharge, which turned into coughing a few days later. The cough is mainly severe around 3 AM and mild upon waking up in the morning, with milder symptoms during the day. The child has been taking medication for three consecutive days, but this morning, I noticed that the child’s mucus is yellowish with Bloodshot, and there is an increase in eye discharge, a slightly red throat, and the coughing seems to be worsening. Past Treatment and Effectiveness: The child has taken medication for three days but there has been no improvement. Desired Assistance: I hope to determine whether the child’s cough is due to cold or internal heat, and provide appropriate medication for treatment.
Answer
The child’s symptoms suggest a possible upper respiratory infection accompanied by pharyngitis. To alleviate the cough, timely anti-inflammatory and antiviral treatment is necessary. If considering traditional Chinese medicine treatment, it would require a dialectical diagnosis based on cold, heat, deficiency, and excess, but such diagnoses are not easily conducted online, so it is recommended to opt for Western medicine treatment. Many cases are caused by influenza viruses, so treatment should focus on antiviral measures, and azithromycin can be used in conjunction. For severe coughing, expectorant and cough-suppressing medications like orange red phlegm cough syrup can be used. If there is fever, physical cooling should be initiated first; if necessary, fever-reducing medication can be taken, and attention should be given to adequate rest and hydration.