Question
“What medication should I give my child for a slight cough, when other symptoms are mostly normal? What are some common, easily obtainable medications?”
Answer
For a child’s cough, parents can consider using some common expectorants to clear the lungs and phlegm, such as ipecac syrup, brown syrup, or polygala syrup. These medications help thin out phlegm, making it easier to cough up and reduce irritation to the airways. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine options like snake gall and fritillaria liquid or snake gall and tangerine peel powder can also be chosen. If there is a suspicion of bacterial infection, broad-spectrum antibiotics such as penicillins, erythromycins, or aminoglycosides should be used under a doctor’s guidance.