Patient's question:
A child has a cold and a fever, accompanied by coughing. Can they drink milk?Follow-up question: The child is 5 and a half years old and has been drinking milk due to calcium deficiency. I'm wondering if they should continue drinking milk during their illness.
Doctor's answer:
After a baby catches a cold, proper dietary and lifestyle adjustments are crucial. At this time, it is best to avoid foods like fish, crabs, shrimp, and meat, which are rich in fat and grease. Foods that irritate the respiratory tract, such as chili peppers, pepper, ginger, and scallions, should also be consumed in moderation. You can give the baby some foods that strengthen the spleen and moisten the lungs, such as glutinous rice, tremella, black fungus, white radish, lily bulbs, and Chinese yam. Encourage the baby to drink plenty of water and eat more eggs and fresh vegetables appropriately to provide nutrients and help boost their immunity. If the baby shows symptoms of coughing and wheezing, avoid giving them carbonated drinks or too many fruits high in sugar, such as apples, bananas, oranges, grapes, and persimmons, to prevent worsening their cough and wheezing.