Question
What should I do if my child has a cold for over a week?
Answer
Because the child’s immune system is weak, they are more susceptible to fevers and colds, which can lead to respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Do not take over-the-counter cough suppressants lightly, as they can suppress the cough reflex and hinder the removal of phlegm. For children with little phlegm that is sticky and difficult to cough up, consult a doctor about using expectorants such as ammonium chloride, ginseng root, and magnolia bark. Chinese herbal medicine such as snow pear with licorice root can also help to thin mucus and relieve coughs. To prepare, take one pear, cut off the top as a lid, remove the core, add 10 grams of rock sugar and 6 grams of licorice root powder inside, then cover with the lid and steam in a bowl until cooked. Eat the pear and drink the juice.