Patient's question:
The child started coughing with a lot of phlegm in May this year. X-rays were normal, but various treatments were ineffective. The cough lasted for one and a half months before sinusitis was diagnosed and treated successfully.In September, the cough with phlegm reappeared, and X-rays were normal again. After a week of intravenous fluids, it resolved.
In December, the cough with phlegm returned once more, but this time it was accompanied by wheezing. After an 8-day hospital stay, it improved.
Later, pulmonary function tests showed normal results. However, the child continues to take daily medication and use inhalers.
In January, the issue reoccurred again, with mild coughing and phlegm. A follow-up pulmonary function test revealed reduced small airway function, and allergen testing showed Artemisia (mugwort) 0.48 and serum IgE 171.
Can asthma be diagnosed? The family has indeed been using Artemisia to boil water for foot baths since May.
Doctor's answer:
According to the description, the child has been coughing repeatedly for half a year, and after a thorough examination, it was found to be bronchial asthma caused by Artemisia allergy. It is recommended to first address the root cause and focus on enduring standardized treatment, as the control rate is very high. The child's current condition is not severe and is considered easy to recover completely. Asthma cannot be cured, but with long-term appropriate and standardized treatment, the vast majority of people can achieve effective control. It is still important to pay attention to post-treatment adjustments, which also helps in the recovery of the condition.