Question
A three-year-old child has been suffering from a persistent cough after a cold and often vomits after drinking milk. Various cough medications have been used, but the results have been unsatisfactory.
Answer
Coughing is a defense mechanism to clear foreign objects from the respiratory tract. Mild coughs do not require medication. If the cough is severe, the cause should be identified, and appropriate cough medications should be chosen for symptomatic treatment on the basis of treating the underlying cause. Cough medications are mainly categorized into three types: cough suppressants, expectorants, and bronchodilators. Cough suppressants are used for irritating dry coughs; expectorants are suitable for clearing phlegm; and bronchodilators help to relieve bronchospasm, facilitating the expulsion of phlegm. When selecting medication, it is important to choose drugs with minimal side effects and safe for children.