Question
A four-year-old child frequently coughs at night. They caught a cold after a recent bath, and coughing is less during the day but worsens when they go to bed, continuing to cough upon waking in the middle of the night. How should this condition be treated, and what are some effective medications?
Answer
Coughing, as a defensive reaction to clear foreign objects from the respiratory tract, usually does not require medication intervention. However, when coughing is severe, appropriate cough suppressants can be selected based on symptoms. Causes of coughing may include respiratory inflammation, foreign bodies, compression, allergies, or pleural irritation. Medications for treating cough include cough suppressants, expectorants, and bronchodilators. For example, children can be given pediatric cough syrup to relieve cough symptoms. At the same time, appropriate medications should be selected based on specific situations, ensuring that the medication is safe and effective for children. When choosing medications, consider the side effects and opt for those with minimal side effects and suitable for children.