How to clear phlegm for a baby with a cold?

Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
Updated on March 29, 2025
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There are several methods to help a baby with a cold expel phlegm, which are as follows: First, you can give the infant some Western or traditional Chinese medicines that help expel phlegm to aid the removal of mucus. Second, gently patting the baby's back can also facilitate the expulsion of phlegm. Third, if possible, using a phlegm suction device can help the baby expel phlegm. Fourth, administering nebulized medications that help expel and remove phlegm can be effective. Lastly, it's important to treat the cause of the baby's cold-related phlegm production. Most colds are caused by respiratory viral infections, so taking antiviral medications can be very effective. If the cold and phlegm persist, be aware of the possibility of a secondary bacterial infection, which, if present, may require antibiotic treatment. (Note: Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What should I do if I have a cold and my nose is itchy?

Itchy nose due to cold is caused by viral infection leading to swelling of the nasal mucosa, which causes symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing. One should choose to take vitamin supplements and drugs that suppress gland secretion for symptomatic treatment. It is also recommended to drink plenty of hot water and maintain a suitable indoor temperature and humidity. Dietary considerations should include avoiding spicy foods like chili peppers, seafood, overly sour, cold, or spicy foods. During the acute phase, under the guidance of a doctor, one may choose to take vitamin C tablets, cetirizine hydrochloride dispersible tablets for symptomatic treatment. If accompanied by fever symptoms with a body temperature above 38 degrees Celsius, acetaminophen tablets can be taken for fever reduction. The main principle of treatment is symptomatic treatment, drinking plenty of water, and it may also be combined with antiviral medication therapy.

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Written by Wu Shu Jie
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Can scraping (gua sha) treat a cold?

Gua Sha is one of the methods used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for treating and preventing diseases. It is often performed on the Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang, which is located on the back of the human body. The Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang is superficial and acts as the first line of defense when external pathogens invade the body. By scraping the Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang, it stimulates the meridians and channels, enhances the body's immunity, and promotes the expulsion of pathogenic factors by strengthening the body’s vital energy. According to TCM, "when the vital energy is preserved within, pathogens cannot interfere." Therefore, scraping the Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang can help in treating and preventing the common cold.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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Catching a cold from air conditioning is considered what type of cold?

Due to different seasons, the temperature used for air conditioning also varies. Generally, in hot summers, if the air conditioning temperature is set too low, it can cause colds, which are considered cold-type colds. Clinically, patients with such colds might also experience fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itchy throat and dry cough, and even symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and headache due to fever. Therefore, even in hot weather like summer, it is advisable to set the air conditioning temperature to a moderate level to avoid colds. For colds caused by air conditioning, patients should definitely use some medications for symptomatic treatment, as they can usually be cured within about a week.

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Written by Huang Kun Mei
Pediatrics
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How to reduce a fever for children with a cold

If a child with a cold and fever has a body temperature not exceeding 38℃, you can use warm water to wipe the child's armpits, abdomen, and groin to physically reduce the fever. Additionally, you can apply fever-reducing patches to the child and ensure timely hydration. Since children with fever can easily become dehydrated, it is important to replenish their fluids promptly, provide vitamins, and ensure they eat fresh vegetables and fruits. If the child's body temperature exceeds 38℃, it is necessary to administer fever-reducing medication timely. If the child shows signs of poor mental state or recurrent fever, it is crucial to bring the child to the hospital for a complete blood count to further diagnose and treat the condition.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
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Can you drink alcohol when you have a cold?

A cold, also commonly referred to as an upper respiratory tract infection, can be classified based on the type of infecting virus into common cold and influenza. Regardless of the type, patients typically experience various symptoms following the virus infection such as fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, coughing, and an itchy throat. For patients exhibiting these symptoms, it is generally recommended in clinical practice to drink plenty of water and avoid overly greasy foods. Certainly, consumption of alcohol and spicy foods like chili peppers should be avoided. Similarly, it is advised not to consume cold-natured foods during a cold, hence drinking alcohol is discouraged while sick.