Question
The baby has a hoarse voice and is having difficulty breathing through the nose. Three days ago, the doctor examined the baby and said there was nothing serious, prescribed medication including lozenges and anti-inflammatory tablets, but I forgot the names. After taking them for three days, the symptoms have not improved. Do I need to be given intravenous fluids?
Answer
Cough and nasal congestion in babies are common symptoms of a cold, especially in those with weaker resistance. If the baby has a fever, it’s recommended to frequently turn the baby over or pat their back. This not only promotes lung blood circulation but also helps loosen phlegm in the respiratory tract, making it easier to expel. Here’s how to do it: have the baby semi-reclining or held semi-reclining, and the parent gently taps the baby’s back with a half-fisted hand, from top to bottom and from outside to inside, alternating sides for 3 to 5 minutes each, twice or thrice a day. Encourage the baby to drink more water; no medication is needed, and there should be no major issue. Here are some suggestions:
- Drink plenty of plain water.
- You can use food to help nourish the lungs and cool the blood, such as “Sichuan Pear with Honey Glucose.” It’s simple, safe, not too hot or cold, with few side effects and can be consumed regularly. Generally, a five-day course is recommended. The method is as follows: select pears with thicker yellow skin, wash them clean without peeling them, hollow out the core in the middle, stuff in 10 to 30 grams of honey glucose, place in a bowl, steam-bake for 30 to 60 minutes over boiling water. The pear will naturally exude water; use a metal spoon to scoop out the flesh along with the soup and eat it together. If phlegm is very thick, you can add 2 to 6 grams of “Sichuan Fritillary Bulb Powder,” first boil about 100 to 200cc of water for about 5 to 10 minutes…