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 Liu Li
Pediatrics
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The Difference between a Cold and the Flu in Children

Epidemic influenza and the common cold have different pathogens for children. The main cause of epidemic influenza is the influenza virus or parainfluenza virus, meaning that the cold is caused by one or both of these viruses. This condition is called influenza. On the other hand, the common cold can be caused by many viruses, such as rhinovirus or coronavirus, and includes the influenza virus among others. Therefore, the pathogens are different; about 90% of common colds are caused by viruses.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Which department should a child visit for a cold?

If a child has a cold and is being seen at a general hospital, it is advisable to visit the pediatrics department. However, if the child has a persistent high fever and the condition is urgent, a visit to the pediatric emergency department is recommended. If it's a children's specialty hospital, it would be advisable to visit the pediatric respiratory department, the emergency department, or the fever clinic. Generally, colds are caused by viral infections, though some are caused by bacterial infections. Most fevers can last from three to five days. Therefore, we should not be too hasty and should focus on symptomatic treatment.

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Written by Zhang Qin Liang
Pediatrics
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Is rectal administration good for children with colds?

Rectal administration of medicine is not a treatment method used in formal hospitals; it is typically used for sedation or certain gastrointestinal disorders, requiring enema treatment. In some smaller clinics, enemas and rectal administration of medication might be used to treat children's fever and colds, which is an irregular treatment method and is best avoided. This may cause damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa and lead to disorders such as diarrhea. Therefore, formal hospitals do not recommend using rectal administration to treat common issues like children's colds and fevers. Moreover, this method could potentially lead to side effects from the medication, affecting body functions.

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Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
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Can children with a cold eat fish and shrimp?

Children should avoid consuming fish and shrimp during a cold, as these foods are considered stimulating. Children's immune functions are relatively weaker during a cold, leading to symptoms like fever and gastrointestinal discomfort. First, eating fish and shrimp can hinder digestion and absorption in the stomach and intestines, further burdening the gastrointestinal tract during a cold. Furthermore, fish and shrimp are particularly likely to trigger allergic reactions in children, which can occur even under normal circumstances, leading to hives or inducing respiratory difficulties among other allergic responses. Therefore, consuming these foods during a cold could worsen the symptoms and possibly trigger an allergic reaction, which is detrimental to a child's health. It is recommended to focus on a light, easily digestible liquid diet during illness.

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Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
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Is it good for children to take a bath when they have a cold?

When a child has a cold and the symptoms are mild, the child is in good condition, not experiencing high fever, and has no shivering, then it is acceptable for the child to take a bath. Bathing poses no problem and can even help reduce mild fever. However, if the child has a high fever, shivering, physical weakness, discomfort, or symptoms such as rashes, it is advisable not to bathe the child. Bathing a child who is shivering can sometimes lead to higher fevers, convulsions, or seizures. Therefore, whether or not a child can bathe should be determined based on their specific condition.