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

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on September 10, 2024
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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.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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What should I do if a child has a cold with a persistent high fever?

For a minor cold accompanied by persistent high fever, firstly, it is essential to monitor body temperature. If the fever continues, the initial step should be to reduce the fever, which can be done by taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen orally every 4 to 6 hours as required. Additionally, physical cooling methods such as tepid sponge baths, warm baths, and drinking warm water can also be used. If the fever persists or recurs, it's crucial to visit a hospital for routine blood tests and C-reactive protein assessments to evaluate the condition and determine whether it is caused by a bacterial or viral infection. If a bacterial infection is suspected, sensitive antibiotics should be used to treat the infection. If a viral infection is considered to be the cause of the ongoing fever, treatment should primarily focus on fever reduction. Attention should also be paid to mental responses and changes in body temperature.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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What should I do if a child has a cold and fever?

Children's colds and fevers are caused by viral or bacterial infections, with the vast majority being viral infections. First, we need to ensure that the child is well-hydrated and also manage the symptoms. When the body temperature exceeds 38.5 degrees Celsius, administer antipyretic medication to the child, such as ibuprofen suspension or acetaminophen. The interval between doses of these medications should be at least six hours. Additionally, give the child cold relief granules to alleviate the symptoms of the cold. When the body temperature is below 38.5 degrees Celsius, physical cooling methods can be applied, such as using fever-reducing patches, taking lukewarm baths, or wiping the forehead, neck, armpits, and groin—areas where large blood vessels are located—with a warm towel. Throughout the process, it is very important to keep the child hydrated. If the child's cold and fever persist, a complete blood count should be performed to check for a bacterial infection. If a bacterial infection is present, treatment with antibiotics should be administered under the guidance of a hospital doctor, based on the child’s condition. Controlling the infection is essential for reducing the fever and bringing the child's temperature down, ultimately helping the child return to normal.

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Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
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How to treat a child's cold and cough?

For upper respiratory infections in children causing colds and coughs, the treatment approach should vary based on the child's age, as well as the severity and duration of the illness. For mild cases with less severe symptoms, treatment can be administered at home including frequent hydration, drinking plenty of water, and symptomatic oral administration of expectorants and cough suppressants. If the child's cold and cough symptoms are more severe, with significant coughing and phlegm, and are even affecting the child's sleep, it is typically recommended for parents to take their child to the hospital for blood tests. These tests may include a complete blood count, Mycoplasma testing, or a C-reactive protein test, to identify the specific cause of the cold and cough, and to enable targeted treatment. (Note: The use of medication should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Dong Xian Yan
Pediatrics
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Why do children with colds have a lot of eye discharge?

Increased eye discharge in children with colds is primarily due to congestion and swelling of the nasal mucosa during a cold, which blocks the nasolacrimal duct. At the same time, pathogenic microorganisms from the nasal cavity can enter the eyes through the nasolacrimal duct, causing conjunctivitis, which leads to increased eye discharge. Therefore, when a child shows symptoms of a cold, it is important to maintain cleanliness and hygiene of the eyes. If nasal congestion is severe, medication should be administered under the guidance of a doctor to reduce the chance of developing conjunctivitis. If there is excessive eye discharge, eye drops can be used locally to alleviate the symptoms.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Can children with a cold eat eggs?

When a child has a cold, the diet should definitely be light, offering easily digestible foods. If the baby does not have a fever, eggs can be consumed in moderate amounts as they provide a rich source of protein, phospholipids, vitamins, and other nutrients. However, if the baby has a fever, it is best to avoid giving them eggs because eggs are relatively hard to digest and rich in protein and phospholipids, which can increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, a fever can affect digestive functions, which is not conducive to the baby's recovery. Therefore, it should be determined based on the situation.