Question
My child has been taking cough medicine, but the situation has not improved. What should I do?
Answer
Coughing is the body’s defense mechanism for clearing foreign substances from the respiratory tract. When treating a cough, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the condition, identify the cause, and then select an appropriate cough medicine based on treating the underlying cause. Medications can be categorized into three main types: cough suppressants, expectorants, and bronchodilators. Cough suppressants are suitable for dry cough caused by mild inflammation, while expectorants help to clear phlegm. Bronchodilators are used for asthma caused by allergies or inflammation. When using medication, it is important to choose drugs with minimal side effects and that are safe and reliable for children.