Question
A young infant has been continuously experiencing a runny nose for the past ten days, which is suspected to be a cold. Although cold medication has been administered, the effects have been unremarkable. The baby only has a runny nose when awake, not during sleep, and sometimes the runny nose stops, but it returns upon slight exposure to cold. How should this situation be handled? Is it a cold or another health issue?
Answer
For children with a cold, it is not recommended to use antibiotics lightly and instead, antiviral medications should be chosen, as colds are caused by viruses. Common antiviral cold medications include:
- A. Viralamine (rimantadine), typically 10 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day, taken orally in three divided doses.
- B. Isatis Root Decoction, half a packet per dose, taken three times a day with boiled water.
- C. Amantadine, which can be used in conjunction with antibacterial drugs during feverish viral infections in children to enhance efficacy.
- D. Antiviral Oral Solution, half a bottle per dose.
- E. Antiviral Detoxification Powder, half a packet per dose, taken three times a day with boiled water.