Question
The child’s nighttime coughing has worsened. What is the situation? Is there a solution? When did the coughing start to recur? What changes have there been in the color and amount of phlegm? Is the cough related to posture? Is there a fever? When and at what temperature did the fever occur?
Answer
The child’s nighttime coughing may be due to an infection by a virus or bacteria. Virus carriers have normal or low white blood cell counts and a decrease in lymphocyte percentage; bacterial carriers have decreased white blood cell counts and neutrophil percentages. Mild cases can be treated with oral amoxicillin (three to four times a day, 250mg each time) or doxycycline (twice a day, 75mg each time). After effective treatment, the prognosis is good. Ensure rest, avoid cold exposure, and drink plenty of water.