What medicine should a child take for cough and cold?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 11, 2024
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If children develop a cough due to a cold, like occasional mild coughing, slight nasal congestion, and runny nose, without obvious fever, and they maintain a good spirit and appetite, parents do not need to worry too much. Let the children rest appropriately, drink more warm water, and eat a light, easily digestible, and nutritious diet. A common viral cold generally has a certain self-healing capability. However, if the cough is more severe with noticeable phlegm, a significant decline in spirits, or if high fever occurs, it is then essential to visit a hospital promptly for doctors to treat the child based on their condition. Typically, children should not take cold medicines that are meant for adults, as these can have significant side effects on children. A usual viral cold infection tends to be self-limiting, so parents should closely monitor the progress of the illness, and seek medical attention promptly if the condition worsens.

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What to do if a child has a cold with nausea and vomiting?

Childhood colds refer to a general term for upper respiratory infections in children, including wind-cold colds, wind-heat colds, acute pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis, and more. They are caused by infections from various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, etc., and symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, etc. When children experience a cold accompanied by nausea and vomiting symptoms, it is referred to as a gastroenteric type of cold, and treatments can include antiemetics and adjustments to gastrointestinal function. However, it is also important to consider whether there are surgical conditions. If the child exhibits abdominal distension, poor mental state, or frequent vomiting, it is advisable to go to the hospital for examinations such as X-rays to rule out symptoms like intestinal obstruction.

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Why do children have stomachaches when they catch a cold?

Colds are usually caused by viral infections, and may be accompanied by swelling of the lymph nodes. Abdominal pain caused by colds in children is often considered to be mesenteric lymphadenitis. This means that the virus causing the cold leads to the swelling of the lymph nodes around the intestines, which in turn can cause abdominal pain. There are generally two ways to alleviate this condition. One is to use oral pain relief medications, where children typically use traditional Chinese medicine orally, and do not take Western medicine, such as Yuanhu Zhitong Drops. Another method is to apply heat. At the same time, it is essential to ensure that the gastrointestinal tract is functioning well during a cold. Gastrointestinal dysfunction during a cold can also cause abdominal pain. Therefore, the diet should consist of warm, liquid, and easily digestible foods. (Note: The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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What foods are good for children with a cold?

Children's colds are acute upper respiratory infections, and children can have rhinitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, etc. Most are caused by viral infections and are self-limiting. Therefore, during a cold, it is important to ensure that the child drinks plenty of water, rests a lot, eats more green vegetables, and supplements some vitamins. The diet should be light and easy to digest, avoiding heavy meals with large fish and meat, as well as snacks, sweets, and even puffed food. It is very helpful for the recovery from a cold to eat more fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C. Also, drinking plenty of water and getting plenty of rest are very important.

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How to determine whether a child's cold is caused by a virus or bacteria

When determining whether a child's cold is caused by a viral infection or a bacterial infection, you can take the child to the hospital for a routine blood test. In most cases, it is caused by a viral infection. Combined with the routine blood test, if there is an increase in white blood cell count and neutrophil count, it usually indicates a bacterial infection. If the white blood cell count is normal, or low, along with an increase in lymphocyte count or percentage, it usually indicates a viral infection. Alternatively, combining this with a C-reactive protein test, if the C-reactive protein level significantly multiplies, then it indicates a bacterial infection.

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How to treat children's colds, coughs, and phlegm

When children catch a cold and cough with phlegm, the first consideration should be whether there is bronchitis. If the cough is severe, expectorant and cough suppressing medications can be administered orally, such as traditional Chinese medicine or Western medicine, for example, ambroxol. Additionally, bronchitis might be accompanied by a bacterial infection, in which case anti-inflammatory drugs like cephalosporins or penicillin can be prescribed. Nebulizer treatment can also be used, which helps in thinning the mucus and suppressing cough. Furthermore, it might be necessary to conduct a routine blood test to assess the child's condition.